Press release , Feb 16, 2026

Kehler: “Refilling the gas storage facilities will become a major challenge without a new regulatory framework.”

Copyright: Swen Gottschall/DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT

At a special session of the Committee for Economic Affairs and Energy, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche will address Members of the Bundestag tomorrow regarding the current supply situation. The focus will be on the historically low fill levels of Germany’s gas storage facilities. Dr. Timm Kehler, Chairman of the association Die Gas- und Wasserstoffwirtschaft, comments:

“Based on the current situation, the supply to all customers is secured – provided that there are no extreme cold spells or other unexpected events this winter. The real challenge, however, will only begin after the heating season: storage facilities must be refilled ahead of next winter. As fill levels are now significantly lower than last year, substantially larger volumes will have to be injected.

The state is responsible for security of supply and therefore sets the rules for gas traders. The former Federal Government acted correctly during the 2022 crisis and consistently filled the storage facilities. However, two consecutive mild winters reduced political pressure, meaning that the necessary structural adjustments to storage management were not implemented. The Federal Government must now quickly make up for the shortcomings of its predecessor and establish a solid framework for maintaining and refilling gas storage facilities for the coming winter. We need clear regulation that leverages market mechanisms while ensuring reliable refilling. France, Austria and Italy demonstrate that this is possible.

Germany has the largest storage capacity in the EU and therefore possesses a highly valuable asset. We must preserve this asset, particularly in view of the additional gas-fired power plants that will be used for electricity generation in the future. The past weeks have placed considerable strain on the system and, for example, temporarily pushed the north–south transmission lines to their limits. For this reason as well, we need sufficient storage capacity in southern Germany to relieve pressure on the grids.”

About DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT

As the voice of the gas and hydrogen industry, the association DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT e.V. pools the interests of its members and is committed to utilising the potential of hydrogen and its derivatives as well as biogas and natural gas, including the associated infrastructure. The industry association also provides information on the opportunities offered by gaseous energy sources and their infrastructure in a climate-neutral and resilient energy system and drives the industry's transition to new gases. It is supported by leading companies in the energy industry and covers the entire value chain from production, transport and distribution to trading, sales and applications. Other industry associations and industrial companies support DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT e.V. as partners.

To the press center

Press Contact

Charlie Grüneberg

Head of Communications and Spokesperson

Tel.: +49 171 2402630

Legal Notice on Use

Unless otherwise stated, DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT e.V. holds the rights to the images, texts, audio and video files published on this site. The files from the press section may be used for editorial reporting provided the source is quoted. Use or reproduction is free of charge. Please send us a copy of any use.

Any other use is only permitted with the prior written consent of DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT.

The files provided have been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief. Notwithstanding this, DIE GAS- UND WASSERSTOFFWIRTSCHAFT accepts no responsibility for any damage arising from the use of the files.