The head of the Federal Network Agency, Klaus Müller, has shown himself to be largely satisfied with the current filling rate of the gas storage facilities. German storage facilities are “finally back on a proper storage path,” Müller wrote on Twitter on Monday morning. The fill level (as of July 23) is 65.91 percent. “Now it’s time to increase the 75% rate by September 1st. to create.” The ailing gas importer Uniper has also ended the withdrawal, i.e. the withdrawal of gas.
During the temporary stop of Russian gas supplies through the Nord Stream 1 Baltic Sea pipeline due to maintenance work, gas was stored in Germany, but at a very low level. Uniper had even started withdrawing gas from storage facilities.
In order to avoid a shortage in winter, Germany wants to fill up the storage facilities as quickly as possible. They should be 95 percent full by November 1st.
In view of the impending gas shortage, the Berlin Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) believes that more savings must be made at the moment. “We should actually close the swimming pools and tell people: You have to jump into the lake now to save gas,” said IHK general manager Jan Eder on Monday RBB Inforadio.
He called for a concept from the Senate that would support industry. “Bridging and support” are important. Above all, the legal situation must be changed so that more energy can be saved in general instead of shutting down companies. So every company has a chance to stay in the market.
According to the IHK, around 50,000 jobs in Berlin’s industry depend on the gas supply – around half of the manufacturing sector. If these were more severely affected by the gas supply shortage, the consequences would be immense. “What must be avoided for the economy and from the point of view of the IHK in Berlin are the announced switch-off cascades,” said Eder, with a view to supplying according to priorities, as provided for by the Energy Security Act.
“What’s the point if my bathroom is still toasty and warm but I’ve lost my job,” said Eder. “Everyone has to contribute.”
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