Norwegian energy giant Equinor has signed a 15-year natural gas sales agreement with Germany’s Uniper, locking in more than 30 terawatt-hours of annual gas supplies to Europe’s largest economy through 2041.
The agreement covers roughly 2.8 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, with deliveries scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027, and continue through December 31, 2041. The gas will be delivered at Trading Hub Europe, Germany’s gas market area.
Equinor said pricing will reflect prevailing market terms, while other commercial details remain confidential.
The deal extends a longstanding relationship between the two companies and reinforces Norway’s role as one of Germany’s most important sources of natural gas. Germany is Equinor’s largest gas market and has been a major destination for Norwegian supplies since exports began in 1977.
The new contract begins in the year marking the 50th anniversary of Norwegian gas exports to Germany.
The agreement comes as European buyers continue to prioritize security and diversification of gas supply following the sharp reduction in Russian pipeline imports that reshaped the continent’s energy market earlier this decade. Norway has emerged as a critical supplier to Europe, supported by established North Sea production and extensive pipeline infrastructure connecting the Norwegian Continental Shelf with major European markets.
Long-term gas contracts have also regained importance as utilities and industrial consumers seek greater supply certainty while balancing Europe’s decarbonization objectives with continued demand for reliable dispatchable energy.
Equinor and Uniper separately signed a non-binding letter of intent to examine the potential sale of sustainability-related attributes associated with gas supplied under the agreement. Those attributes could include independently verified information covering the origin and greenhouse gas intensity of Equinor’s production.
Equinor said natural gas is expected to retain an important role in Europe’s energy system, particularly in supporting industry, security of supply and power-system flexibility as renewable generation and lower-carbon gases expand.
For Equinor, the agreement secures a significant long-term outlet in its largest gas market. For Uniper, it adds contracted Norwegian supply extending well into the 2040s as Germany continues to reshape its energy system.
By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com
