Dutch gas levels on target for upcoming winter; Gov't urged to create a buffer
The Netherlands’ gas levels are on target for the upcoming winter, even if it is a cold one, Gasunie reported on Tuesday. The government-owned company that transports and stores natural gas also called for an increase in the Dutch gas reserves, in case a situation arises where the Netherlands has less access to foreign gas for an extended period.
The gas storage facilities are currently over 54 percent full, above the European target of 47 percent by July 1, NOS reports.
The Netherlands stores gas in Norg, Grijpskerk, Alkmaar, Bergermeer, and Zuidwending. In January, Gasunie still warned that supplies were depleting faster than in previous years due to increased consumption. But it has managed to fill the gap in the months since.
Gasunie has been closely monitoring the gas level since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and the Netherlands stopped buying gas from the country. The Netherlands also virtually stopped drilling for gas in Groningen.
The loss of these two big supplies meant that the country had to buy more gas on the global market. The Netherlands is currently buying gas from Norway, the United States, and Qatar.
Gasunie urged the caretaker government to increase the gas reserves and create a buffer, so that it is less dependent on one or a few suppliers and other countries can’t place the Nehterlands in a difficult position. The emergency reserve would remain untouched, even in very harsh winters. It will only be used if several countries stop supplying the Netherlands with gas.
Gasunie already has the necessary storage facilities to store a reserve, the organization said. It urged the caretaker government to seriously consider a buffer for gas. Such a strategic reserve already exists for oil.
