Denmark’s main energy provider Ørsted has reiterated its previous position today that it will not pay for Russian gas in rubles.
“Gazprom Export continues to demand that Ørsted pays for gas supplies in roubles. We have no legal obligation under the contract to do so, and we have repeatedly informed Gazprom Export that we will not do so. The payment deadline is May 31 and Ørsted will continue to pay in euros,” wrote Ørsted.
The decision could prompt Russia to ‘turn off the tap’, but the energy authorities do not expect such a move to impact Denmark’s gas supply.
“We still have gas in Denmark and consumers can still have it delivered. We don’t expect that to change, even if Russia stops the sale of gas to Ørsted,” said energy authority Energistyrelsen head Kristoffer Böttzauw.
“But we do have plans ready should the situation deteriorate.”
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Green transition boon
EU’s gas market is expected to continue to function and Denmark currently gets most of its gas via northern Germany.
Additionally, Denmark’s inroads into sustainability and the green transition means it is less susceptible to being affected by the termination of fossil fuels from Russia.
Furthermore, when the redevelopment of the Tyra gas field is completed in 2023, the need for gas from abroad will be even further minimised.
Currently, Russian gas accounts for 25 percent of the EU’s gas consumption.
“Should Russia shut off all gas to Europe, our first priority is ensuring that citizens with gas furnaces can heat their homes next winter,” said Böttzauw.
