Germany could replace about half of its gas imports from Russia this year if supplies were cut off, the energy industry union BDEW said on Friday, according to Reuters.
The union, which represents 1,900 gas, electricity and water companies, said that according to its sources, Russia’s unofficial share of Germany’s gas supply in January-March was 40%.
The estimates of analysts and energy companies last December had determined the share to over 50%.
“As of today, about 50% of Russian gas can be replaced or replaced in the short term. This corresponds to about 20% of the annual gas needs in Germany,” said BDEW chief Kerstin Andreae.
Andreae did not provide details on how Russian gas could be replaced, but Germany has access to electricity from coal, nuclear, wind and solar. However, some industries can not easily switch from natural gas.
Knowing that any import ban, triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, would have significant consequences for the German economy, the industry sought to reduce its current dependence on mineral resources from Russia, she added.
The goal of filling Germany’s storage capacity to 24 billion cubic meters of gas by the beginning of next winter would also be questionable, BDEW said.
Domestic gas consumption last year amounted to 100 billion cubic meters, reduced by 6.4% compared to 2020.
BDEW said it currently sees potential for reducing and replacing gas use by 15% in the domestic heating sector, while small businesses and service industries could save 10% and heavy industry 8% in the future. more could be achieved. In electricity generation, the study sees a possible reduction in gas combustion of about 36%, but no more.
The government has revived plans to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) by ship to the country, but there are currently no terminals to pick them up due to pipeline gas dependence.
The crisis has highlighted the need to boost wind and solar power, insulate buildings to save heat, expand the electricity grid and increase renewable hydrogen sources, BDEW said.
Source: Capital
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