Gas storage in Germany: Current filling level causes concern!

Gas storage in Germany: Current filling level causes concern!

What is happening in the German gas storage facilities? According to the current figures, the gas storage level in Germany is at 74.96 percent today, November 9, 2025. This represents a decrease of 0.19 percent compared to the previous day. Over the course of the year, the level has experienced some fluctuations; on November 1st it was still at 75 percent, while on January 1, 2025 it was still at 80.11 percent. In the past there was even a filling level of over 100 percent, which was made possible by compression and cooling of the gas, as allgaeuer-zeitung.de reports.

A look at the level development shows that gas demand has increased in recent years. Compared to the average for the years 2017 to 2021, the current level is 14 percentage points lower. Gas consumption is expected to reach nearly 850 terawatt hours throughout 2024, representing a 3.5 percent increase over 2023. The main consumption occurs in both households and industry, with these two groups accounting for 39 percent and 61 percent of gas consumption, respectively. Exact consumption figures for the week of October 27th to November 2nd show that consumption fell by 18.5 percent compared to the 2018-2021 average. The ndr.de adds that the colder winter months in particular lead to high consumption.

The challenges of gas storage

As temperatures drop, it becomes clear again how important it is to have sufficiently filled gas storage facilities. Germany has around 40 storage locations with a total capacity of around 23 billion cubic meters. These storage facilities can cover gas needs for around two cold winter months. Nevertheless, some of the largest storage facilities, like in Rehden, are only half full. Consumption from heating and industry increases particularly in winter, while the lowest consumption occurs in summer, when the numbers drop to around 10 terawatt hours per week.

An important aspect of gas supply in Germany is that the legal filling level requirements for September 1st, October 1st and November 1st are 75, 85 and 95 percent. These points are checked regularly to ensure supply in the winter months. With a stable gas supply network, which relies primarily on Norwegian and Dutch imports, the overall gas supply remains stable.

A look into the future

The EU plans to no longer require gas imports from Russia by the end of 2027, which could reduce dependence on less secure sources. With the commissioning of the liquid gas terminals in Germany in 2023, the situation for the gas market has already improved. However, it remains a challenge to cover the high gas consumption of industry and households during the coldest months.

In order to promote the desired self-sufficiency, Germany is pursuing the ambitious goal of generating 80 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. This could not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but also help conserve gas reserves and ensure security of supply in the long term.