Gasunie has warned that the Netherlands’ gas reserves may not be refilled in time for the coming winter. A spokesperson confirmed this after a report by De Telegraaf. At this time of year, market parties are expected to buy gas to fill storage facilities, but the grid operator says this is happening too slowly.
According to Gasunie, underground gas storage is currently 19.5 percent full. The organisation says this level is “considerably” behind what is needed. “The weather is pleasant now and no one is thinking about gas, but winter will arrive sooner than expected. You cannot fill storage quickly in November; it must be done gradually,” the spokesperson said.
Gas reserves fell to their lowest level in at least ten years in early April, partly due to a cold winter. Gas prices have risen sharply following the war in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Higher prices make it more costly for energy companies to fill storage facilities ahead of winter.
Scratch
Gasunie also says the cabinet is taking too long to decide on creating a strategic gas reserve. According to the spokesperson, Climate Minister Stientje van Veldhoven (D66) plans to make a decision around Budget Day. Gasunie would prefer a decision before the summer. “We understand that the minister must consider many parties, but it will become very tight if a decision is only made in autumn.”
The spokesperson declined to say whether the Netherlands could face a gas shortage. “We are signalling that the situation is becoming tight. Stock levels are low, and a decision is needed. At this stage, we are not sufficiently prepared for the coming winter.”
The Ministry of Climate and Green Growth (KGG) said steps are already being taken. The minister has instructed state-owned Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN) to build a temporary emergency reserve of about 5 terawatt-hours (TWh) of gas. “We are therefore already building a strategic reserve for emergencies,” the ministry said. “EBN is filling according to schedule. The filling season still has several months to run, so work is ongoing. If needed, we can take further measures, but these require careful assessment.”
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