German Gas Supply Is Secure Despite Low Storage Levels
SEFE must add 8 TWh of gas to storage as Berlin seeks to ease winter supply risks and support broader reserve-building efforts, officials said.
- Germany's gas storage facilities are only 57% full, prompting the government to order state-owned Securing Energy For Europe to boost reserves by 8 TWh by December 15.
- The closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran conflict has curtailed global LNG supplies, driving benchmark European gas prices to around 73 euros per MWh.
- VNG chief executive officer Ulf Heitmueller told Reuters the system is "much more robust" than before, with diversified supplies from Norway, Algeria, and Azerbaijan ensuring delivery obligations are met.
- Norway remains Europe's largest gas supplier, meeting around 30% of demand from the European Union and Britain, with Gassco confirming pipelines are well equipped for winter demand.
- Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, in coordination with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, plans to establish a strategic gas reserve beginning in 2027 to mitigate future energy shocks.
48 Articles
48 Articles
Norway's gas export system ready for increased deliveries to Europe during winter
Germany urgently increases gas reserves ahead of winter
Economics Minister Katherina Reiche has instructed the state-owned energy company SEFE to procure a further 8 TWh of natural gas by December 15 and store it in storage facilities. The decision was made in coordination with Federal Chancellor Friedrich...
The European gas price has already almost tripled this year, as there is still no end in sight in the Iran war and the related restrictions on the supply of energy raw materials. Moreover, European countries, including Germany, are under time pressure to replenish the unusually low filling levels of gas storage tanks before the winter break. In the midst of this tense situation, calming signals come from Norway.
The country has become the most important supplier since the Russian invasion in 2022, and the promise comes at a time of tense markets.
Norway's gas transmission system is preparing for the winter season as Europe struggles with soaring energy prices and declining Russian gas supplies due to the Iran conflict.
For a long time, the Minister has resisted to intervene in the market in the face of empty gas storage. Now, she orders storage, but the relief remains.
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