The Finance Committee of the Nationwide Council determined this on Thursday with the votes of all events. Within the “WAG partial loop” as a part of the West Austria Gasoline Pipeline (WAG), the part between Oberkappel and Dangerous Leonfelden shall be prolonged by a 40 km lengthy parallel pipeline.
The enlargement is meant to offer entry to fuel sources from north-western Europe. In keeping with parliamentary correspondence, the opposition additionally agreed, however criticized the truth that the mission ought to have been began years earlier.
“The federal authorities is doing all the things it might to make sure the availability of fuel. A vital element of that is the 40 km lengthy enlargement of the West Austria Gasoline Pipeline,” stated Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) on Friday, referring to the WAG Loop mission, a parallel transport line that will increase transport capability from Germany.
“Necessary contribution to safety of provide”
“The enlargement of the pipeline in Higher Austria is a crucial contribution to safety of provide,” stated Power Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) within the joint assertion. The capability for transporting non-Russian pure fuel to Austria is already greater than our whole annual consumption. “With the WAG Loop, the protection internet shall be even tighter. I count on that the following steps for implementation will now observe shortly.” The enlargement will additional enhance the transport capability for non-Russian pure fuel to Austria. “As well as, it will allow a pipeline for use to move hydrogen sooner or later,” stated the minister.
In keeping with the data, the Ministry of Finance will conclude a corresponding settlement with Gasoline Join Austria (GCA), the corporate constructing the pipeline. If the pipeline is then totally booked, the GCA must pay once more the help. This may forestall over-funding. “We now count on the GCA to submit an software shortly as a way to be certain that the pipeline is constructed as shortly as potential,” added Gewessler.
WKÖ Secretary Normal Karlheinz Kopf additionally praised the choice, however known as for additional measures to safe fuel provides. As well as, the connection won’t be accomplished till 2027, and till then there stays the chance that no extra fuel will stream from Russia when the fuel transit contract between Ukraine and Russia expires on the finish of 2024.