The Greek Government, along with other EU member states, is preparing for all eventualities in the supply of natural gas, including a complete cessation of Russian supply, which is not the most likely scenario, unless Russia decides to cut all ties with the EU.
In terms of sufficiency, Greek natural gas transmission system operator DESFA responded to a request of the Bulgarian Bulgartransgaz for gas supply with reverse flow from the entry point of Sidirokastro, while there were also significant (over 90 GWh) exports of electricity from the Greek system to interconnected countries.
Currently, imports of natural gas from all available sources, including Russia, continue as usual. According to DESFA schedule, the unloading of 140,000 cubic meters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is expected at the Revythousa terminal on 7 March. Two more loads follow, 70,000 and 40,000 cubic meters on 12 and 15 March.
The reserves of the Greek system beyond the LNG depots of Revythousa include the imports of natural gas from Azerbaijan through Turkey from the TAP pipeline as well as the possibility of operating natural gas-fired units with a total capacity of 1,800 MW, using diesel as fuel. The role of PPC lignite-fired units will also be decisive, although they do not have the technical ability, like gas-fired and hydro units, to calibrate their production to adapt to the requirements of the network and the fluctuations of the production of the renewable sources.
As far as prices go, the announcement of the new toolkit of the European Commission for the protection of consumers from price increases is expected next week. The toolbox will repeat the recommendations for subsidizing the most vulnerable households and businesses that are threatened by the surge in energy costs, while it will not exclude state intervention in energy of prices for certain categories of consumers.
