Germany Boosts Energy Security with First Azerbaijani Gas Imports and New Gas Power Plant Plans

Germany has taken significant steps to enhance its energy security by initiating natural gas imports from Azerbaijan and advancing plans for new gas-fired power plants across the country.

Starting today, German energy provider Sefe is receiving Azerbaijani natural gas through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). This marks Germany's first direct gas imports from Azerbaijan under a ten-year contract for 1.5 billion cubic meters annually, as announced by Socar, Azerbaijan's state energy company. The gas flows from Azerbaijan through Greece, Albania, and southern Italy before being distributed northward to Germany and Austria. This move is part of the EU’s broader strategy to lessen dependency on Russian gas following geopolitical tensions.

Azerbaijan, a net exporter of natural gas for almost two decades, has vast reserves and initially supplied mainly neighboring countries. However, concerns have been raised by the NGO Crude Accountability about the risk of Russian gas being rebranded as Azerbaijani gas in Europe, potentially undermining efforts to diversify energy sources.

Simultaneously, Germany is moving ahead with plans to construct new gas power plants to secure stable electricity supply. Leipheim, Bavaria, is preparing to build a second gas-fired power plant, supported by energy company LEAG, which sees it as critical for energy stability. Additional stations are planned at existing sites like Lippendorf and Schwarze Pumpe, with tenders expected later this year. RWE is also exploring potential sites, mainly in North Rhine-Westphalia, while Uniper remains cautious.

Despite positive endorsements from local leaders and energy associations emphasizing urgency to address a looming supply gap by 2030, environmental groups criticize the expansion of gas power plants, calling instead for accelerated renewable energy adoption. German Environmental Aid acknowledges gas plants may play a temporary role in achieving climate neutrality but insists on reducing fossil fuel reliance.

With these developments, Germany is actively diversifying its gas supply and strengthening its energy infrastructure amid evolving geopolitical challenges and the energy transition.