Gas storage in Rehden: red alert with only 2.21% filling!

Gas storage in Rehden: red alert with only 2.21% filling!

The current situation with gas storage in Germany raises questions. On Friday morning, the filling level of German gas storage facilities had fallen to 49%, compared to almost 80% last year. Particularly striking is the largest storage facility in Rehden, Lower Saxony, which is only 2.21% full. However, Klaus Müller, President of the Federal Network Agency, emphasizes that security of supply is still guaranteed. He explains that the levels are being closely monitored and that the LNG terminals on the North and Baltic Sea coasts offer alternative supply options. Loud sueddeutsche.de Levels have been rising daily since April 11th, with one exception, which initially gives hope for improvement.

A comparative analysis shows that the filling level in Rehden was below one percent three years ago. The storage facility previously belonged to Gazprom, but was placed under German administration in 2022. This means that the use of storage for profitable sales of natural gas is now based on the market. According to the regulation, the storage facilities must be 80% full on November 1st, which also requires a filling level of 45% for certain storage facilities. According to the Federal Network Agency, 30% filling is required at the beginning of February. These requirements pose challenges for the industry, especially since the current filling level of 70% on average is not sufficient for winter supply, according to the industry association.

Outlook on LNG and future challenges

Currently, just 13% of the imported gas volume is imported via LNG terminals. These terminals have recently become more important, especially with the first LNG tanker arriving at the new terminal in Wilhelmshaven. The Lubmin site will also receive its final operating license next week, which is a further step towards diversified gas supply kreiszeitung.de reported. The total capacity of the planned floating terminals is enough for about 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas, which is almost half the amount imported from Russia in 2021. The switch to LNG could be further strengthened through the construction of stationary terminals.

However, despite all the enthusiasm, there are also critical voices. There are concerns about the environmental impact of LNG production, particularly its extraction through fracking, which is considered harmful to the environment. In addition, residents and politicians are raising eyebrows when it comes to noise and other potential disadvantages for tourism. Loud ndr.de It remains to be seen how the filling levels will develop in the coming winter and whether the worrying lowering of the filling level specifications will be viewed by the state as an attempt to escape responsibility.

The situation remains tense but optimistic, with a clear focus on the need for economical use of gas and the continued development of new supply routes.