The European Union has reached its goal of filling gas storage facilities to 90% capacity more than two months before the 1 November deadline, according to recent data from Gas Infrastructure Europe. This achievement mirrors last year’s early attainment of the 90% target on 18 August.
The Gas Storage Regulation (EU/2022/1032) established a binding EU target of 90% storage capacity by 1 November each year, with interim targets to ensure gradual filling throughout the year. Gas storage is crucial for Europe’s energy security, as it can supply up to one-third of the EU’s winter gas demand. As of 19 August, gas storage levels reached 1,025 TWh, or 90.02% of total capacity, equivalent to just under 92 billion cubic meters of natural gas.
EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson highlighted this accomplishment as a testament to the EU’s preparedness for the upcoming winter. She emphasized that the Commission will continue to monitor storage levels, focusing on maintaining high storage and advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. Simson also underscored the challenging situation in Ukraine, calling for continued European support for Ukraine’s energy sector amidst ongoing attacks from Russia.
The Gas Storage Regulation is part of a broader set of measures implemented by the EU in response to the energy crisis exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This includes emergency rules for gas demand reduction and the REPowerEU plan, which aims to decrease reliance on Russian fossil fuels by accelerating renewable energy deployment and securing alternative energy supplies. The EU has significantly increased its use of liquefied natural gas (LNG), with the USA as a primary supplier, and Norway has emerged as the leading supplier of pipeline gas.
