In the debate over future gas supply security, the German Association of Energy Utilities (BDEW) supports the creation of a national strategic emergency reserve as a useful tool. Kerstin Andreae, chair of BDEW’s executive management, told the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” that “establishing a storage reserve is a sensible instrument to safeguard against an acute crisis and unexpected external shocks”. She added that it can preserve operational capability and make Germany more resilient.
However, the reserve should not be used to dampen price spikes; it must be dedicated exclusively to securing the physical supply. “Therefore, clear rules are required for deploying such a storage‑based reserve” Andreae said. “Its use must be limited to emergency situations and carried out in a way that avoids market distortions”.
Earlier, Klaus Müller, the head of the Federal Network Agency, had also advocated creating a strategic reserve. “We need protection to respond quickly to unforeseeable events” he said.