Gasunie subsidiary Eems-Energy Terminal has come to an agreement with two energy groups to deliver liquified natural gas (lng) to the Netherlands, limiting Dutch dependence on Russian gas.

Once converted, the amound of lng Gasunie is buying from Czech group CEZ a.s. and Anglo Dutch Shell Western LNG Ltd, should create a total of seven billion cubic metres of ‘normal’ gas, which will then be pumped into the gas network.

The liquified gas, which is frozen at a temperature of minus 160 degrees, takes up less space than the gas from, for example, the Groningen field. It will be stored in two floating terminals in the Groningen port of Eemshaven,

The two terminals have a joint capacity of eight billion cubic metres. Gasunie has said a deal to cover the remaining one billion could be on the cards soon.

At the same time, capacity at existing lng installations at the Rotterdam port and industrial area Maasvlakte will be increased, taking the total capacity of lpg imports to 24 billion cubic metres, or twice the current capacity.

The Dutch annual consumption of natural gas is some 40 million cubic metres – a part of which has now been secured.

‘The Gasunie’s tireless efforts have meant we have been able to double the import capacity of lng before the year is over. With the acceleration of the sustainable energy programme and filling up our gas storage terminals, this move is crucial to becoming less dependant on Russian gas as quickly as possible,’ energy minister Rob Jetten said in a reaction.

The Dutch government wants to end the Netherlands’ reliance on Russian gas by the end of the year, replacing the supply by saving energy, better energy efficiency and imports from other countries.