The average filling of the Dutch gas storage facilities exceeded 80%. According to EU plans, such a level of gas accumulation was expected only by November, respectively, the Netherlands is ahead of schedule by two months. Europe as a whole is also ahead of schedule, with an average EU gas storage capacity of 82%. This allows you to expect that the heating season will pass without any problems. Putin's plans for the gas blackmail of Europe can be considered thwarted. The EU will continue to fill gas storage facilities, which will create the necessary reserve to overcome any disruptions in gas supplies.
The Dutch government has allocated an additional 10 million euros to continue filling the Bergermeer gas storage facility. Previously, this gas storage facility was supposed to be filled by 68%, now it is expected to be filled by 90%. Gas storage facilities in Greipskerk (Grijpskerk) and Alkmaar are 100% full, Storage Norg gas storage is more than 85% full.
In addition to pipeline gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is also supplied to the storage facilities, which is delivered to the EU by sea. Already in September, Gasunie will start using the new LNG terminal Eimshaven (Eemshaven) in Groningen (Groningen), capable of receiving up to 8 billion cubic meters of gas per year.
The Netherlands can look to the future with cautious optimism. There is gas, but the problem remains the rise in prices for it and for electricity. On September 9, an emergency meeting of EU energy ministers is to take place. It is expected that it will decide to limit the price of Russian gas and to redistribute the excess profits of companies that produce electricity without the use of gas (coal, wind, etc. power plants) in favor of the EU population.
Publication Date: 16.09.2022
