Slovakia Seeks Gas from Romania's Neptun Deep Project

Slovakia is actively pursuing gas supplies from Romania's Neptun Deep offshore project as it prepares for the cessation of Russian gas deliveries next year. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the country's interest during a joint briefing with Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan in Bucharest. Fico stated, "We expressed interest and said that if Romania intends to export this gas outside its own territory... Slovakia offers to use existing infrastructure and we will be interested in this gas on a commercial basis."

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The Neptun Deep project is one of the European Union's most significant gas deposits, estimated to contain around 100 billion cubic meters of recoverable gas. It is jointly owned by Romanian oil and gas company OMV Petrom and state-owned Romgaz. The project is expected to commence gas deliveries in 2027. While Slovakia is keen to secure a portion of this gas, there are also interests from Hungary and Germany, as noted by a Romanian official. However, there is an emphasis on ensuring that the Romanian economy benefits from the gas before it is exported.

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Slovakia has historically relied on Russian oil and gas, with approximately one-third of its gas supply sourced from Russia last year. This dependency has been a concern, especially in light of the European Union's plans to phase out Russian gas imports by late 2027. The Slovak government is seeking to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on Moscow, aligning with broader EU objectives following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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Despite the interest in the Neptun Deep project, some critics argue that Slovakia's reliance on gas imports, even from alternative sources, does not adequately address the need for a sustainable energy transition. Environmental advocates emphasize the importance of investing in renewable energy solutions rather than continuing to depend on fossil fuels, regardless of their origin.

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The Slovak government has expressed a clear intent to transition away from Russian energy sources, with Prime Minister Fico highlighting the importance of securing alternative gas supplies. Romanian officials have also indicated a willingness to collaborate with neighboring countries on gas exports, while emphasizing the need to prioritize domestic consumption.

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As the timeline for the Neptun Deep project progresses, Slovakia will likely continue negotiations with Romania and other interested parties to secure gas supplies. The success of these efforts will be crucial for Slovakia's energy strategy, particularly as the EU's deadline for phasing out Russian gas imports approaches.

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• “We expressed interest and said that if Romania intends to export this gas outside its own territory - that is, not use it only for its own consumption - Slovakia offers to use existing infrastructure and we will be interested in this gas on a commercial basis,” — Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia.

Reuters