Habeck confirms adequate gas storage for upcoming winter once more.
The Economic Minister of the Federal Republic, Robert Habeck, considers Germany to be prepared in terms of gas supply. During a trip to Meyer Werft in Papenburg, the Green Party member stated that Germany has largely completed its preparations. The gas storage facilities are once again full for the upcoming winter, and there's also backup capacity via LNG terminals.
However, attention is still being paid to the gas reliance in southeastern Europe, which comes from Russia via Turkey or Ukraine. Places like Austria are affected by this. The imminent danger for Germany has been mitigated. Regarding pricing, Habeck mentioned that the available gas supply will increase, which will have repercussions on the prices of gas and electricity in Germany.
Two years ago, the German government declared the "alarm phase" of the gas emergency plan, which is the second stage out of three, as a response to a noticeable decrease in Russian gas supplies. Habeck also implemented measures at that time to decrease gas consumption in industry and increase storage. Germany has now managed to break free from its previous dependence on Russian gas. On Wednesday evening, Habeck informed the "New Osnabruecker Zeitung" during a citizen's dialogue that there's no longer a gas shortage.
Environmental Aid Germany has urged the federal government to promptly withdrawal the "alarm phase" of the gas emergency plan and decrease it to the early warning stage. This also indicates that there's no necessity for expanding new LNG terminals anymore. The LNG Speed-up Act, allowing for quicker construction of new facilities with reduced legal protection, should be abolished immediately.
The gas storage facilities, being filled for the upcoming winter, serve as a testament to Germany's preparedness in gas supply, beyond the gas storage. Furthermore, the backup capacity via LNG terminals provides an additional layer of security, ensuring Germany's gas supply is robust.
