In 1993, together with our partner Gazprom, we set the target for our young subsidiary WINGAS to break up the existing monopolistic structures and to initiate competition. We have achieved just that by offering tailored procurement and supply programs, competitive terms and conditions, and market-based customer concepts. Built on strong partnership, securing our access to Russia’s important natural gas reserves. Gazprom’s market proximity in Europe in turn strengthens its position as a major player in the European gas industry. Today, WINGAS supplies natural gas to municipal utilities, regional gas suppliers, industrial companies, and powerplant operators. Not only in Germany, but also in other European countries. WINGAS gives them supply security on favorable terms and conditions, due to short, direct supply chains from source to customer.

WINGAS believes in entering into long-term relations with producers to ensure that it can securely meet Europe-wide demand for natural gas. For this reason, the supply contracts for Russian natural gas have been regularly topped up and have now been extended through 2030. Starting from the planned commissioning date of the Nord Stream gas pipeline through the Baltic Sea in 2011, WINGAS will import up to nine billion cubic meters of natural gas a year over a period of 25 years, in addition to its existing supply volumes.

The procurement portfolio is complemented by supplies of natural gas from the North Sea, which have been secured for the long term. This security of supply is also valued by our customers: New customers won include several operators of large power plants. In fact, WINGAS’ agreements mean that the company already has under contract around one third of the gas demand anticipated in Germany’s power plant sector by 2010.