Storage operators: Gas shortage only threatens in extremely cold weather this winter
Until November of this year, German gas storage facilities can be filled to 95 percent independently of temperature, Ines explained. Legal requirements will be met with this.
If the winter remains warm, like in Europe in 2020, or normal, like in 2016, gas storage facilities will be drained to a level between 35 and 69 percent by the end of the winter in April 2025. In both scenarios, the statutory storage capacity of 40 percent in February 2025, as per Ines' statements, will be maintained.
However, in the third scenario, things look different: "Just like in the last two winters, extremely low temperatures will pose challenges for gas supply," Ines-business manager Sebastian Heinermann explained. "If it's as cold as in the European winter of 2010, the gas storage facilities would already be completely drained in February."
Gas supply security, as it was before the energy crisis, is "not yet fully restored," storage operators stated. Therefore, savings remain "a relevant topic" in the upcoming winter.
Currently, there are 16 storage operators in the initiative. They represent over 90 percent of German gas storage capacities, according to their own statements.
- Despite the cold weather in Germany this Winter, gas storage operators need to ensure they maintain at least 40% capacity, as mentioned by Ines.
- Despite Germany having filled its gas storage facilities to 95% until November, a cold Winter similar to Europe's in 2010 could lead to a gas shortage, as pointed out by Sebastian Heinermann.
- The gas storage operators in Germany are prepared for any weather scenario, as they represented over 90% of the country's storage capacities during the last winter, ensuring adequate storage for Europe.
- While Germany can avoid a gas shortage in mild winters like 2020 or 2016, a severe cold Winter like in 2010 could see gas storage facilities completely drained, as Germany and Europe rely heavily on these storage facilities during the Winter.
