Germany drafts financing plan for emergency gas reserve

The Economy Ministry proposes an additional reserve of 24 terawatt-hours, funded through a surcharge on gas consumers.

Reuters reported on October 13 that it had seen a preliminary bill. The reserve is intended for extreme situations, including sabotage or failure of important infrastructure.

The stated calculation would allow the stockpile to offset the loss of Germany's largest gas import facility for 30 days. It does not mean the reserve could meet the country's entire gas demand for a month.

The first surcharge collection period would begin October 1, 2027. The reports do not announce enactment of the law or actual filling of the new reserve.

The strategic stockpile idea had been discussed earlier. The latest report describes a draft funding mechanism and the proposed start of payments, which still require approval through the legislative process.