Germany cuts gas storage target to 80%, ahead of EU legislation

The German government approved a new regulation on 30 April, lowering the national target for gas storage levels by 1 November from the previous 90% to 80%. The measure was announced by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), which also said it had acted independently of the EU legislative process still under way, reports Euractiv.

The federal government took note of the regulation submitted by the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, which aims to adjust the gas storage filling level requirements in Germany, the so-called Gas Storage Filling Level Regulation. The regulation, which does not require parliamentary approval because it takes the form of a ministerial ordinance, will enter into force once officially promulgated.

The filling level for all salt cavern storage facilities will be set at 80% by 1 November each year, down from the previous 90%, while maintaining a high level of security of supply. The same requirement will apply to four key porous storage facilities in southern Germany, which play an important role in ensuring supplies to Austria and Switzerland. The requirement for other porous storage facilities will be lowered to 45%, the ministry reports. It says this gives market participants clear parameters and sufficient time to prepare for the 2025/2026 winter season.

The ministry prepared the ordinance as part of the ongoing EU legislative process, with the aim of allowing greater flexibility in the regulation of gas storage across member states. According to the BMWK, the draft was developed in close cooperation with EU institutions, while the final wording of the EU legislation remains subject to negotiations between the Parliament and member states.

European debate

The ministry prepared the ordinance as part of the ongoing EU legislative process, with the aim of allowing greater flexibility in the regulation of gas storage across member states.

While member states propose retaining the 90% target with a 10% buffer, the European Parliament is considering an 83% target and moving the deadline for meeting it to a period between 1 October and 1 December. Member states would also be allowed to deviate by up to four percentage points in the event of high gas prices on the market, while the minimum level before winter should not fall below 75%.

The aim of this more flexible approach is to ease pressure on summer gas prices and allow countries to respond better to current market conditions. The proposal is now awaiting a vote in the European Parliament’s plenary session, scheduled for 5–8 May, after which negotiations with member states will follow.

Current EU storage levels are around 40%, while in Czechia they are just below 33%. However, levels are expected to rise gradually as warmer weather approaches.

Reaction in Germany

Most German gas industry associations welcomed the reduction in mandatory storage levels. The Association of Gas Network Operators (FNB) supported the regulation as a step that strengthens security of supply while gradually shifting responsibility back to the market. It also praised the regional differentiation and the timeline, which allow for better preparation for the winter season.

The energy association BDEW also backed the proposal, while stressing that a clear legislative framework at EU level needs to be established in good time. The association also said it would be worth considering the flexibility proposed by Brussels, under which member states could meet the target at any time between 1 October and 1 December.

Energy Traders Germany also viewed the lower targets positively, but warned that the changes must not hinder a broader debate on which tools can best ensure long-term security of supply in European and German markets. It also noted that frequent changes to the rules can disrupt market functioning.