EU committee discusses gas storage regulation: compromise in sight!

EU committee discusses gas storage regulation: compromise in sight!

On April 9, 2025, the EU Committee of the Bundesrat discussed the European Commission's proposal to extend the Gas Storage Ordinance. The current legal framework, originally issued as the EU Emergency Regulation 2022, is now undergoing consideration for expansion as it expires at the end of the year. According to the existing regulation, underground gas storage facilities must be 90% full by November 1st, with specific interim targets set for the months of February, May, July and September. The Commission is not planning any substantive changes, but is focusing on extending these requirements until the end of 2027 in order to ensure energy supply security in the EU and promote stability in the European gas market germany.representation.ec.europa.eu reported.

During the deliberations, several member states, including Austria, expressed a desire for more flexibility in filling targets. An expert from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy believes that a compromise is in prospect in the ongoing negotiations at European level. The extension of this regulation is considered necessary to prevent market speculation, especially given the geopolitical situation, which requires a high gas reserve to prevent acts of sabotage on pipelines.

Security of energy supply in focus

The gas storage level in Austria is currently around 45%. Natural gas remains a central part of the energy mix, particularly for electricity generation. The EU's storage facilities make a crucial contribution to security of supply by covering 25 to 30% of winter consumption, thereby reducing the need for additional gas imports.

In this context, Germany is heavily involved in international markets and has an import quota of 95% for natural gas. Protecting the energy infrastructure is necessary to protect it against a wide range of threats such as sabotage and extreme weather events. It is also emphasized that the state must actively intervene if the market itself cannot guarantee sufficient energy supplies bmwk.de.

The European Commission highlights the importance of gas storage to avoid supply disruptions. Commissioner Dan Jørgensen emphasizes that Member States should take current market conditions into account when refilling gas storage facilities in order to avoid market distortions. These discussions and preparations for the coming winters show the urgency with which EU countries must respond to the challenges of energy supply security.