Grid operator: Dutch gas reserves must be 90% full before 25/26 winter.

The Netherlands must have its gas storages at 90% capacity by the beginning of winter 2025/2026 to avoid shortages in the event of a severe cold snap, Dutch national grid operator GTS announced on Monday.

Why is it important?

Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Netherlands are now heavily dependent on imported gas due to the permanent closure of Groningen's major gas field.

A disruption in supply could cause shortages both in the Netherlands as well as abroad. The Netherlands plays a key role in balancing the gas supply and demand in Germany, Belgium, and Britain, which are all neighbouring countries.

By the Numbers GTS stated that storages would be filled by November 1, 2025 with a minimum of 11 billion cubic meters (bcm), on a capacity of 12.5.

This amount will help avoid shortages if a cold winter is accompanied by low gas availability due, for instance, to a decrease in LNG imports.

According to GTS, Dutch gas storages are currently filled at 92% capacity in advance of the winter of 2024/2025.

KEY QUOTE

In its annual advice to the government on security of supply, GTS stated that "ensuring the gas storage facility is sufficiently full, maintaining adequate connection capacity with neighboring countries and diversifying gas supply are vital measures for a steady supply of gas in the coming years." (Reporting and editing by David Evans; Bart is the reporter)

(source: Reuters)