Dutch Gas to Make it Through Winter If Conditions Met: GTS

The Netherlands will not face a domestic shortage of gas if Russia cuts supplies this winter, as long as certain conditions are met according to Dutch gas transport company GTS.

• The conditions include Dutch gas demand remaining 20% down versus prior years, no coal capacity caps being in place, Dutch LNG capacity being increased, co-operation via EU nations as well as the UK and Dutch gas storage being filled to 80% before winter.
• According to GTS director Bart Jan Hoevers, ‘It is good news for Dutch customers that, as long as certain conditions are met, there will be no mandatory shut-off of the gas supply for consumers over the coming winter. Other emergency measures such as extra production from the Groningen field do not appear to be necessary in the coming months either. What remains essential, however, is that we reduce our natural gas consumption together. It is also essential that measures be taken to ensure sufficient gas in the gas stores and a maximum supply of LNG.’
• Exports to Germany could be maintained around the current level of 35 billion cubic metres (bcm) in the year from Oct. 1, GTS said.
• The prediction for next year assumes average winter temperatures and no LNG supply disruptions, both of which could lead to emergency measures being put in place.