The German economy ministry is exploring the possibility of establishing a national natural gas reserve. After studying the experience of the United States, which has the world's largest strategic oil reserve, the German authorities started to assess the need for a similar reserve of natural gas.
This initiative arose due to systemic issues with filling privately owned underground gas storage facilities. Due to low economic efficiency, operators are forced to close unprofitable objects. This threatens the country's energy security. The decision to create a strategic reserve aims to guarantee a stable fuel supply for critical sectors of the German industry.
The authorities are considering various options for storing energy resources. Particular attention is being paid to using existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals built during the energy crisis.
Germany can also draw on the positive experiences of other European countries. For example, Italy and Austria have already established state gas reserves, which account for approximately 11% of the EU's total storage capacity.