German Government Document Voices Concerns About Energy Infrastructure

The German government is concerned about leaning on coal for power gen due to low water levels on the Rhine according to a government document seen by news outlets.

• "Due to very reduced domestic shipping, accumulated coal stocks could quickly fall," a document entitled "Energy Supply Assessment," drawn up by the Economy Ministry said.
• "Additional storage sites which have been and are being procured in southern Germany will probably not be filled by winter," the paper said.
• The paper said a significant improvement in water levels is not expected and an overburden on the rail system would not be able to offer enough relief.
• The paper cites concerns about Schwedt and Leuna oil supply – both of which are trying to move away from Druzhba pipeline supply from Russia.
• "High demand and scarce transport capacity in rail freight are leading to a challenging situation in oil logistics. Some products from refineries cannot be moved," said the document.