German gas and hydrogen storage operators are expressing confidence regarding winter preparedness, according to a statement released Tuesday by the industry initiative Energien Speichern (INES). Current booking trends indicate the potential for German gas storage facilities to be filled to capacity by November 1st.
This would result in a storage level of 81 percent. INES stated that this level, under typical or warmer weather conditions, provides a secure gas supply.
Germany began the new storage year on April 1st with a comparatively low fill level of 29 percent. Significant progress has been made in increasing the fill level since then, currently standing at 75 percent. Initial projections in July anticipated a maximum fill level of 70 percent; however, increased booking trends for storage capacity now suggest a potential 81 percent fill.
Despite this positive trajectory, storage operators highlighted continued risks associated with exceptionally cold temperatures. These risks stem from a demonstrably higher gas consumption observed over the past two months. Furthermore, the slower pace of storage replenishment in other European countries is mitigating the positive impact of the increased German fill levels.
