EU Gas Reservoirs Nearly Filled to Capacity, Aiming to Bolster Winter Energy Security

European Union member states have nearly achieved their gas storage targets, with gas reservoirs currently filled to 88%, signalling robust preparation for the coming winter.

This announcement was made by a representative of the European Commission during an interview with radio station RMF FM.

In line with new gas storage goals set last year, EU member nations are required to achieve a 90% reservoir capacity by November 1. All indications suggest that this target might be attained even before this date.

"Through measures we are taking in the energy sector, we find ourselves in a better situation and are better prepared for the forthcoming winter," stated the European Commission spokesperson.

"Of course, we remain vigilant and fully aware of potential risks. We will continue working on winter preparedness to ensure energy supply security and availability across the EU," he added.

In 2022, European Union countries easily surpassed the then-set target of 80% by November 1, reaching this level ahead of schedule. At that time, the peak storage capacity reached 95% of their total volume.

Additionally, last year, the European Commission urged member states to reduce gas consumption by 15% to weather the winter of 2022/2023. These efforts led to a nearly 18% reduction in gas demand, with half of the savings attributed to households.

Currently, the European Union is also on track to achieve similar energy savings.

It was reported at the end of July that Czech gas reservoirs had already been filled to 90% in preparation for the upcoming heating season. The reservoirs of RWE Gas Storage, with a total capacity of nearly 29 TWh out of 36.9 TWh for the entire Czech Republic, play a central role in winter supply.

Furthermore, not a single cubic meter of blue fuel was supplied from Russia.

The Emsland plant has the capacity to process up to eight billion cubic meters of gas per year, with three billion allocated for the Czech Republic, accounting for over a third of the country's annual consumption.

Data from Eurostat at the beginning of July indicate that after Russia's military intervention in Ukraine, the European Union significantly reduced its share of petroleum products and gas imports from Russia.