EU hits 90% gas storage capacity 10 weeks early

The European Union (EU) reached its target of filling gas storage facilities to 90% capacity over two months ahead of the Nov. 1 deadline, the European Commission announced on Wednesday.

The latest data released by Gas Infrastructure Europe showed that gas storage levels reached 90.02%, equivalent to nearly 92 billion cubic meters (bcm), on August 19.

This achievement mirrors last year’s performance when the target was also reached by mid-August.

Under the Gas Storage Regulation, which came into effect in 2022, storage facilities in member states must reach 90% capacity by November 1st each year to ensure supply security during the winter months as it can cover up to one-third of the EU’s gas demand.

The EU reached its target well ahead of the November 1st deadline for the second year in a row, Kadri Simson, EU commissioner for energy, said.

‘The Commission will continue to monitor the situation so that gas storage levels remain sufficiently high across the coming months and so that we also maintain our focus on improving energy efficiency and boosting the renewable energy roll-out,’ Simson added.

EU nations, which utilize around 400 billion cubic meters of gas annually, have 110 bcm of natural gas storage capacity.

Before the Russian-Ukrainian War, 40% of the natural gas consumed in EU nations came from Russia. However, with the outbreak of the war, Russian natural gas exports to the EU have significantly declined.

• billion cubic meters (bcm)
• European Union (EU)
• Gas Infrastructure Europe