German gas storage facilities not full: Network agency boss expects “significantly” higher heating costs

As winter approaches, Germany is apparently missing its prescribed storage targets for natural gas. The Federal Network Agency still sees the supply as secure. But in extreme cold there could be bottlenecks.

According to the Federal Network Agency, Germany has a secure supply of natural gas even without achieving the statutory gas storage targets. “It is no longer essential for a secure gas supply that the storage targets are achieved,” said authority boss Klaus Müller. Germany now has liquid gas terminals through which gas can be imported. At the same time, the network agency boss warned of higher costs: "Gas has become significantly more expensive, and unfortunately all customers have to be aware of that."

According to preliminary data, the gas storage facilities in Germany have missed the required fill level mark. According to legal requirements, most German gas storage facilities must be at least 80 percent full by November 1st. A lower specification of 45 percent applies for six memories. This results in a nationwide target value of around 70 percent. On Saturday, one day before the official deadline, the average filling level was just over 61 percent.

“Storage is still important, but its meaning has changed,” explained Müller. The interaction between pipeline and liquid gas imports, storage, infrastructure and demand is crucial for supply. "The gas supply is stable. The Federal Network Agency currently assesses the risk of a strained gas supply as low," says the President of the Federal Network Agency.

The interest group Initiative Energiespeicher (INES), however, warned of risks from the low filling levels. According to his model calculations, an extremely cold winter could lead to significant supply bottlenecks.

INES represents gas and hydrogen storage operators, including Sefe, Uniper and VNG. The members represent more than 90 percent of German storage capacities. The operators earn money by marketing their capacities and therefore benefit from high demand for batteries. Among other things, INES is calling for government-subsidized loans to make storage more economically attractive.