The national gas network operator, Gasunie, has urged the government to establish a strategic emergency gas reserve. Recent research indicates that additional measures are necessary to safeguard against potential supply deficits. These deficits could occur if a disruption in the gas supply lasts for several months.
Preparedness for short-term risks
Gasunie maintains that the Netherlands currently manages routine supply issues well. For instance, the system handles exceptionally cold winters and brief infrastructure failures effectively. However, the operator warns that Europe remains underprepared for prolonged and large-scale interruptions. Such a scenario could trigger extreme price hikes and significant economic damage. Furthermore, these conditions often lead to a sharp rise in energy poverty.
Gasunie board member Hans Coenen stated that the current geopolitical climate requires realism. He argued that the country must prepare for unexpected long-term challenges. To achieve this, he suggested overfilling storage facilities and utilising “cushion gas” during emergencies. This specific type of gas typically remains in a reservoir to maintain the pressure required for extraction. By accessing it, the country could mitigate shortages and prevent price spikes.
Current supply status
Despite these warnings, Gasunie CEO Willemien Terpstra indicated there is no immediate cause for alarm. Although Dutch gas stocks have depleted recently and the war in Iran has constrained supplies from the Middle East, she noted that current levels remain sufficient. Additionally, the winter season is nearly over, which reduces immediate pressure on the grid.
Ultimately, Gasunie argues that a transition from reactive crisis management to proactive national security is essential. While the immediate outlook is stable, the network operator maintains that a formalised emergency buffer is the only way to protect the economy. This strategy aims to shield the public from future geopolitical shocks and market volatility.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
