Germany could face a gas shortage in winter during severe frosts, INES warns

Berlin, 12 October (CTK correspondent) – German gas storage facilities are almost full, yet Germany could face a shortage of the energy commodity this coming winter if temperatures fall extremely low. Sebastian Heinermann, head of the German association of gas and hydrogen storage operators INES, said at a press conference today that Germany needs to bring additional terminals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) into operation. He also described household energy savings as crucial, since households account for a large share of consumption during severe frosts.

„If we fail to open additional floating LNG terminals before winter, the forecast gas shortage in extremely low temperatures can be avoided only through further energy-saving measures,“ Heinermann said.

He warned that any gas shortage would lead to prices rising again on the exchange and to restrictions on consumption in industry and gas-fired power generation.

Heinermann sees households as having significant potential to save energy during severe frosts. „At very low temperatures, heating homes and businesses accounts for a substantial share of gas consumption. In extremely low temperatures, additional energy-saving measures could make a significant difference, particularly among this group of customers.“