Energy - Gas storage operators: will get through winter well
According to natural gas storage operators, Germany will get through the winter well in terms of gas supply as long as there are no extremely low temperatures. "Although gas shortages still cannot be completely ruled out, they are less likely to occur," said the industry association Ines (Initiative Energien Speichern) when presenting its new forecasts in Berlin. Mild temperatures in November had improved the initial situation for the rest of the winter, explained Ines Managing Director Sebastian Heinermann.
Since November 21, more gas has been withdrawn from storage than injected in order to cover the sharp rise in gas consumption due to the temperature. However, due to the moderate temperatures, the stored gas volumes were only used to a limited extent for supply in November. "As a result, Germany was able to start December with an above-average fill level of 96%."
Temperatures are crucial
If temperatures remain warmer as the winter progresses, the storage facilities will continue to be used only moderately. "In warm temperatures, the gas storage level could have already reached its lowest level of 71% by the end of January." In medium to cold temperatures, on the other hand, gas storage facilities are used extensively or even heavily.
The gas storage facilities compensate for fluctuations in gas consumption and thus form a buffer system for the market. The filling levels usually decrease in winter and increase again at the end of the heating period. At 100 percent full, the amount of natural gas stored in the storage facilities corresponds to the consumption of two to three average cold winter months. On Wednesday morning, the storage facilities in Germany were 91.6 percent full, with a downward trend.
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- Despite the reassuring news from natural gas storage operators, the uncertainty around gas supply in Germany during the winter persists, especially if unusually low temperatures in Europe present themselves.
- The current weather conditions in Berlin and Europe have influenced the gas storage situation significantly, with temperatures being a crucial factor in determining the use of stored gas for heating purposes in Germany.
- With Germany currently utilizing more gas from storage than injecting for the past few weeks, the country's gas prices may be subject to potential fluctuations, particularly as winter sets in and cold temperatures become more prevalent.
- Germany's reliance on gas as a primary energy source for heating during the winter months makes the efficiency and effectiveness of its gas storage facilities essential, ensuring that cold temperatures do not lead to shortages or price increases.
- In order to maintain security and stability in Germany's gas supply, particularly during the cold winter months, alternative energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power should be further developed and integrated into the country's energy mix.
- As Europe's energy market continues to evolve, countries like Germany will need to adapt their energy policies and strategies to account for shifting climate patterns, potential gas supply disruptions, and the ongoing transition towards renewable and sustainable energy solutions.
Source: www.stern.de
