Only 59 percent filling level: Association warns of gas shortages in extreme winters

Actually, most gas storage facilities in Germany have to be at least 80 percent full by November 1st. In fact, the level is significantly lower this year. This worries the association of gas storage operators.

The industry association Initiative Energiespeicher (Ines) is concerned about the low gas storage levels. According to the association's new model calculations, up to 6.6 terawatt hours of natural gas could be missing per month in January, February and March 2027, said Ines. This corresponds roughly to the gas consumption of one and a half winter days in Germany. On individual days in January, the supply gap could even reach 1.7 terawatt hours in extreme temperatures, which would be around 40 percent of the average daily consumption in January 2026. The association is assuming an extremely cold winter like in 2010. According to Ines, such a temperature trend is less likely. However, at normal or mild temperatures, the gas supply is guaranteed.

The calculations already take into account additional gas imports from neighboring European countries and full utilization of the bookable LNG terminal capacities. “Low storage levels represent a significant risk to security of supply,” explained Ines managing director Sebastian Heinermann. In addition to a state gas reserve, the association is calling for financial incentives for storage or an obligation to use storage.

The German gas storage facilities were only around 61 percent full as of November 1st. Since then they have emptied out somewhat. According to data from the European gas infrastructure association GIE, they were recently around 59 percent full. However, the Federal Network Agency considers the risk of a strained gas supply to be low. Thanks to additional import options, Germany is no longer necessarily dependent on achieving the storage targets.

Specifications require 80 percent fill level

The government guidelines actually state that most storage facilities must be at least 80 percent full by November 1st. However, due to the high prices on the world market as a result of the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, importing and storing natural gas is currently hardly worthwhile. Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche from the CDU rejects government intervention. If the filling levels are not reached, the state can order the storage to be filled. One fear here is that gas sellers will speculate on exactly this, because the state would then probably buy at any price.

Ines suggested a state gas reserve as a "winter precaution" as well as a "compensation of the difference between market value and costs of gas storage" or an obligation for market players to use storage. A combination of both approaches is also possible in principle.

Ines represents 17 gas and hydrogen storage operators, including Sefe, Uniper and VNG. Its members represent more than 90 percent of Germany's gas storage capacities. They also have an economic interest in greater use of storage, as they earn money from marketing their capacities.