The European Union plans to extend its gas storage filling targets beyond December 2025, EU diplomats revealed. This move follows the energy crisis of 2022, when Russia cut fuel deliveries, highlighting the need for energy security.
Post-2025 Gas Storage Requirements
Since the 2022 crisis, Brussels introduced binding targets for member states to fill their gas storage facilities. The aim is to have EU underground caverns 90% full by November each year, with interim targets in February, May, July, and September.
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These measures were designed to create a buffer of stored gas in case of supply disruptions. The current regulations are set to expire at the end of 2025, but the European Commission plans to propose extending them for at least another year, according to diplomats familiar with the matter.
Concerns Over Fixed Deadlines and Costs
Some EU countries have expressed concerns about the extension. They argue that setting fixed deadlines could lead to price increases, as it signals to the market that Europe must buy more gas by a specific date. Additionally, countries worry about how they would manage the costs of refilling storage, particularly if prices spike.
Germany’s gas trading hub has been in talks with its government about potential subsidies for contractors to help refill storage. Currently, European gas prices for the summer months are higher than winter prices, discouraging the purchase of gas needed for storage.
Storage Levels and Future Security
While the worst of the energy crisis appears to be over, the EU is keen to secure its energy future. Gas storage levels are depleting fast this winter due to cold weather and lower Russian gas supplies. As of now, EU gas storage caverns are 59% full, according to Gas Infrastructure Europe data. While this is lower than in 2024 and 2023, it is still significantly better than the 44% full levels seen in 2022.
Prolonging the storage obligations will serve as an essential backstop against any future supply shocks. It will ensure that the EU is better prepared for potential energy disruptions in the coming years.