Domestic gas storage facilities are 45 percent full: no reason to worry

The level is currently at around 45 percentas reported by the regulatory authority E-Control and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. A year ago the value was 62 percent. “When it’s as cold as it is this year, the storage systems are of course used more, so nothing surprising,” says Carola Millgramm from E-Control.

Less electricity from alternatives

The current level is significantly lower compared to previous, milder winters, but it is not unusual in the long-term average. Electricity generation from renewable sources such as water, wind and sun has also recently been comparatively low, which has increased the use of gas to produce electricity. There is no reason to worry – Austria not only has larger gas storage facilities than other countries, but has also created a strategic gas reserve after the Russian attack on Ukraine.

“The 20 terawatt hours are still fully available,” said the head of the gas department at E-Control on Thursday Ö1 morning journal. “They are actually intended for an emergency that has not yet occurred.” At the same time, gas imports via Germany continue to flow normally.

Hattmannsdorfer: Supply secured

Austria’s gas supply is secured, said Economics Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (ÖVP). “We have prepared for an emergency, but it doesn’t exist.” Gas prices are expected to fall in the medium term. E-Control expects more LNG, i.e. liquefied natural gas, to come onto the market.