Fortum's subsidiary Uniper seeks German govt support

Finnish energy company Fortum is in constructive talks with the German government on how to stabilise its subsidiary Uniper both regarding its business risks and financial position, and thus safeguard security of supply in Germany.

Several alternatives are now being proposed and discussed with the government, said Fortum in a press release on Friday.

One of these involves a reorganisation of Uniper’s business portfolio to ringfence the system-critical German businesses under the ownership of the German government.

Fortum’s goal is to find a long-term solution together with the German government that addresses the consequences of a potential prolonged or even expanded gas curtailment and further gas price hikes in a way that is sustainable for consumers and Uniper alike, and preserves Uniper’s credit rating.

No decision, however, was made on any possible solution.

In its session on Thursday, the German parliament adopted several legislative changes providing the German government with a range of regulatory measures to ensure security of supply in the current energy crisis.

This legal framework enables the government to stabilise energy companies in the short-term but also provides tools to address the longer-term structural challenges, especially if the gas curtailment is prolonged or escalates.

The amendments to the German Energy Security Act (EnSiG) allow companies in the energy industry to obtain liquidity assistance in the form of guarantees, loans or recapitalisation by the German state.

The EnSiG also provides the legal basis for the government to allow the passing on of some or all of the high additional procurement costs caused by the shortage of Russian gas supplies to all gas customers or within existing contracts.

“We welcome that the German Parliament has now approved a “toolbox” which will allow immediate relief to the effects of the gas supply crisis. Next, we look forward to the German government to start promptly implementing these tools to stabilise the situation in the energy industry and in particular at Uniper, as we continue talks on a long-term solution,” said Markus Rauramo, President and CEO of Fortum.

Fortum is taking its responsibility as an owner of Uniper in the current situation very seriously. Throughout the crisis Fortum has already supported Uniper substantially with a EUR 8 billion credit facility comprising both shareholder loan and parent company guarantees, which is almost fully drawn by Uniper.

Fortum is focused on doing its share to stabilise the European gas and electricity markets, as Europe’s economies depend on them.

Uniper has also published a stock exchange release (‘ad hoc’) on this matter on Friday, the press release added.