Association: completely empty gas tanks are possible in February

n-tvIndependentCenter5 hr. ago

German gas storage levels have reached a historic low, according to the industry association Ines, which warns of potential supply shortages during the upcoming winter. As of early September, gas storage tanks were filled to approximately 53 percent, the lowest level recorded at this time over the past 15 years. While technically possible to reach around 77 percent by November 1, this would require significantly increasing the filling rate. According to Ines, a 77 percent fill level would be sufficient under normal winter temperatures but could lead to shortfalls if extreme cold occurs. The association attributes the slow filling process to economic factors influenced by the ongoing Iran conflict, including rising gas prices and a negative summer-winter price spread, making gas storage less attractive for market participants. The Federal Ministry of Economics has rejected calls for state intervention, citing new liquefied natural gas terminals and pipeline deliveries from Norway as reasons for confidence in energy security.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about gas storage levels and their implications for energy security without overtly favoring any political stance. It includes perspectives from both the industry association Ines and the Federal Ministry of Economics, providing a balanced view of the issue.

heise onlineIndependentCenter6 hr. ago

According to estimates by the German gas storage association Ines, Germany’s gas reserves could be completely depleted by early February 2027 if winter is very cold. This assessment comes from a report published in Berlin, which models several scenarios based on an assumed filling level of 77% on November 1st. If the winter is warm or only mildly cold, stored gas would be sufficient. However, under a scenario similar to the extremely cold winter of 2010, the reserves would run out, according to the Initiative Energien Speichern (Ines). The report highlights that gas storage is just one part of the energy supply system, with additional capacity available through new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals along Germany’s coasts and pipelines from countries like Norway. However, acquiring extra capacity from the global market would be costly. Currently, gas storage levels are at around 54%, significantly lower than last year. Storage operators have booked 83% of their capacity but are leaving some unused due to high summer gas prices, making the traditional business model of buying cheaply in summer and selling expensive in winter unprofitable. Gas storage operators are calling on theÂ

Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral analysis of potential gas storage challenges in Germany, citing industry estimates and modeling scenarios. It includes perspectives from both the gas storage association and the Federal Network Agency, without overtly favoring any political stance or ideology.

HandelsblattIndependent🔒Center9 hr. ago

German gas storage levels are at their lowest point in 15 years, according to data released by the Gas Storage Association INES. Currently filled to 53 percent, the reserves could reach a maximum of 77 percent by November 1, but this would require more gas to be stored in the next two months than was stored in the previous three combined, which seems unlikely. Even if this target is achieved, Germany could face critical shortages during a very cold winter similar to 2010. In such a scenario, gas storage levels might drop to zero by late January, leading to potential supply gaps exceeding 25 percent on certain days, where there would not be enough gas to meet all customer demand.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data regarding gas storage levels and potential risks during a harsh winter without overtly favoring any political stance. It cites the Gasspeicherverband INES as a source and outlines technical limitations and possible outcomes based on historical data, maintaining a ne