Regardless of how the winter months of 2023 and 2024 turn out, they will certainly be historic. Because the gas tap in Groningen has been closed since October 1, 2023, while the import of Russian gas has previously been banned. What alternatives do we have to heat our home? And is that enough to get through the winter months?
Do we still have enough gas in stock?
The central government shares the current state of affairs in terms of security of supply every Friday. On Friday, September 29, 2023, the last update before the closure of the Groningen gas tap, Dutch gas supplies are 97.1 percent full. The other European countries can also continue with their supplies for a while, especially if the temperatures in the winter are not too bad, just like at the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023.
Hurrah! The EU succeeded in filling its gas storage facilities to an average of 95% this summer.
All EU countries have made their contribution. Together, governments, public and private companies have put their shoulders to the wheel. We could do it more often.#graphoftheday pic.twitter.com/k4PLa6AE3V— Martien Visser (@BM_Visser) September 27, 2023
What alternatives are there for Groningen and Russian gas?
Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in early 2022, Norway has become an important gas supplier for the Netherlands. In addition, there is more demand for LNG liquid gas from the United States and the Middle East, which enters the Netherlands by ship. The Netherlands stores this stock of LNG in the so-called LNG terminals in Rotterdam and Eemshaven in Groningen. Liquid gas is relatively scarce, although many countries want to use it. It only takes one strike at an Australian export company for the price of gas to skyrocket, as we will notice in the summer of 2023. And while we hardly import Australian LNG…
The Gasunie, responsible for gas transport in the Netherlands, wants to build additional LNG terminals and has the Rotterdam Maasvlakte in mind. But it will take a few more years before this is achieved. In addition, a nitrogen factory has been put into use in Zuidbroek in Groningen. By adding this nitrogen we can cook with foreign gas and heat our homes.
Is the gas tap in Groningen permanently closed?
So there are alternatives to gas from Groningen and Russia. But what if we suddenly have a very harsh winter? And therefore urgently need extra gas? It is still possible to rely on the Groningen gas field until October 1, 2024, but only in these types of extreme situations. “This involves temporarily starting up to pilot light level when a very severe cold is predicted,” then State Secretary Hans Vijlbrief (Mining) explained to the Minister in June 2023. NOS. After October 1, 2024, there will no longer be a pilot light and the gas tap will no longer open anyway.
Also read: The energy bill in 2024, without price ceiling: what do we already know and what is still uncertain?
Are we ready for the winter of 2023 and 2024?
If we don’t have a too cold winter, we will be fine with the current stock. But the global gas market remains tense. In the event of unforeseen setbacks, such as extreme cold or even a strike in Australia, gas and LNG can become more expensive in a short time. Since June 20, 2022, the Netherlands has been in Phase 1, on a scale of 0 to 3, of the so-called Gas Protection and Recovery Plan. Phase 1 stands for Early Warning. ‘Gas companies must share information about gas deliveries with the government on a daily basis. This allows the government to keep a better eye on the gas market. And take measures if necessary,” the government said.
In other words: there are no indications that an acute gas shortage will develop quickly, but it is important to stay alert. In addition, for you as a consumer, the price ceiling for gas and electricity will expire on January 1, 2024. In addition, energy tax and grid management costs on your energy bill will increase. Therefore, make sure that your energy contract is ‘winter-ready’ in time.
Also read: What do the government plans mean for you as a state pension recipient in 2024?
(Source: Archive, Nieuwsuur, NOS, Rijksoverheid, RTL Nieuws, De Volkskrant, BNR Nieuwsradio, ANP, X: @BM_Visser. Photo: Shutterstock)