The President of the German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), Klaus Müller, has declared that Germany’s gas supply is secure for the upcoming winter, despite concerns surrounding lower-than-ideal storage levels and prevailing cold weather. In an interview with the “Rheinische Post” Müller emphasized a markedly different situation compared to the immediate aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He attributed this increased security to a diversified supply chain, highlighting the crucial role of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, pipeline gas imports from Norway and deliveries via Belgium, the Netherlands and France.
While acknowledging that German gas storage facilities are currently only 60% full, with the Rehden facility, Europe’s largest, standing at a mere 28%, Müller downplayed the significance of these figures. He argued that Rehden’s location, situated inland from LNG terminals, diminishes its previous strategic importance. This perspective has drawn criticism from some energy analysts who believe relying heavily on LNG infrastructure creates vulnerabilities and increases price volatility.
Müller expressed confidence in Germany’s ability to withstand a planned gas embargo against Russia slated for 2027. He anticipates a renewed importance for Germany as a transit nation, emphasizing the four LNG terminals constructed on the North and Baltic Seas – built, according to Müller, both to secure Germany’s energy supply and demonstrate solidarity with neighboring nations. This statement, however, sidesteps the potential economic and geopolitical repercussions of abruptly halting Russian gas imports, particularly given Germany’s historical dependency.
The current decline in gas prices, according to Müller, reflects the ongoing weakness of the German economy and reduced industrial demand. However, he cautioned that this trend is unlikely to persist, forecasting rising prices in the long term. He pointed to increasing carbon dioxide emissions charges and network fees as primary drivers of this anticipated increase. Müller linked these price hikes to Germany’s ambitious goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2045, predicting a future where declining gas customer numbers result in the distribution of network costs across a smaller consumer base.
The President’s assessment has sparked debate within Germany’s political landscape. While reassuring, his optimism is tempered by concerns over the long-term sustainability of Germany’s energy transition and the potential for increased consumer burden as alternative heating systems, like heat pumps and district heating, gain traction – changes that, while potentially beneficial for the environment, may exacerbate existing social inequalities if not managed effectively. The accelerated timeline for phasing out gas, with municipalities planning withdrawals between 2035 and 2045, suggests a deep and complex shift in Germany’s energy strategy, the full implications of which remain to be seen.