The EU needs to lower its gas demand with a recommendation that gas storage facilities in the EU be 90% full by the beginning of October in preparation for the winter 2023-24, Brussels-based think tank Bruegel said in its Gas Outlook for 2023.
Gas Infrastructure Europe data reveals that as of the end of January, EU gas storage is 72.09% full, leaving eight months to reach the recommended 90% capacity level.
Bruegel advised that the EU continue to take measures to reduce natural gas consumption in order to have sufficient supplies and an easier 2023–24 winter period.
'The EU has so far weathered the energy crisis brought on by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and will manage winter 2022/23 even if Russia abruptly halts all pipeline gas flows,' Bruegel said.
However, Bruegel said that demand up to October 2023 must remain 13% lower than the previous five-year average, based on the assumption of sustained limited Russian exports and typical weather conditions.
To this end, Bruegel recommended that the EU extend its demand-reduction target, which is currently set to expire on March 31 this year, to at least October this year.
EU countries agreed a target last August to reduce natural gas demand by 15% between Aug. 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.
With the current reduction target, the Outlook said 'the EU can manage to meet demand during winter 2022–2023, even without any Russian gas. However, Europe’s energy crisis will not be over in April 2023.'
Bruegel outlined two ways to prepare ahead of the next winter season; by developing LNG and lowering demand levels.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply is crucial to achieving this target, Bruegel said, adding that 'plans for rapid deployment of regasification units will alleviate concerns over LNG import infrastructure capacity.'
The Outlook said that the policy should support a continued structural shift away from gas, which would require the 'rapid deployment of renewables and the accompanying grid infrastructure, energy-efficiency measures, help for households that want to switch to cleaner heating, and collaboration with industry to accelerate adoption of new low-carbon production methods.'
By Zeynep Beyza Kilic
Anadolu Agency
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