Constructing a fuel pipeline throughout the Pyrenees mountains is “in Europe’s curiosity” and a mission that Spain will vigorously defend regardless of top-level French opposition, a minister stated Tuesday.
With Russia withholding fuel deliveries to most of Europe in response to sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, there was a resurgence of curiosity in a hyperlink to herald much-needed provides from Spain to the remainder of the continent.
Plans for such a pipeline, generally known as MidCat, emerged a decade in the past however have been dropped in 2019 over regulatory and funding points.
However Madrid is now pushing exhausting for the revival of the mission with the complete backing of Berlin, which has now had Russian fuel deliveries through a key pipeline shut off for the indefinite future.
With six terminals, Spain has the most important infrastructure in Europe to just accept liquefied pure fuel introduced in by ship.
However there’s presently solely a really small hyperlink between the Spanish and French pure fuel networks, limiting the likelihood for Spain to ship provides onward to central Europe.
The MidCat would increase that capability, however France has proven little curiosity within the mission.
“There isn’t a apparent want for it, there isn’t any proof of any want for it right now nor sooner or later,” French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Monday after talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
“I don’t perceive why everyone seems to be getting all labored up about (this pipeline) and saying it might resolve the fuel disaster: it’s not true,” he advised reporters.
“I’m not satisfied we want extra fuel interconnections, which might have a much bigger affect on the setting and ecosystems.”
– ‘Disagreeable phrases’ –
His remarks did little to dampen Spain’s enthusiasm for the pipeline, with Vitality Minister Teresa Ribera telling Onda Cero radio it was “in Europe’s curiosity”.
“There might be a debate, I don’t assume we will rule it out solely primarily based on a declaration by one nation,” she stated.
Though the MidCat pipeline would initially carry fuel, Spain says it might in the end be capable to carry inexperienced hydrogen — a key power supply for the longer term.
Spain is hoping improved pipeline connectivity will open the best way for it to turn into the European Union’s new hub for inexperienced hydrogen.
In his remarks, Macron raised “environmental issues” concerning the pipeline, “which aren’t with out basis”, he stated.
“All of the consultants are saying it’s improper to say {that a} fuel pipeline would be capable to transport hydrogen sooner or later, that must contain a variety of further heavy work,” he stated.
However Ribera stated Macron “doesn’t like the concept of a mission he sees as being previously”, referring to the older MidCat plans.
“In actuality, what we’re saying is that if this third fuel interconnection is constructed, it should be a pipeline that’s prepared for the longer term,” she stated.
La Vanguardia newspaper didn’t mince its phrases concerning the French chief’s “disagreeable” feedback.
“Macron doesn’t just like the nearer friendship between Spain and Germany,” it wrote.
