adSep 25, 2026, 05:36

Cabinet wants to mandate winter gas storage for suppliers

The Dutch government intends to shift the responsibility for winter gas storage from public authorities to commercial gas suppliers by 2028. Additionally, the cabinet plans to advocate for the removal of European storage mandates while establishing a national emergency gas reserve to ensure supply security.

The Dutch government is planning to shift the responsibility for winter gas storage from the state to commercial gas suppliers. Climate Minister Stientje van Veldhoven announced that the current policy, which requires the government to cover the costs of filling storage facilities, is no longer effective due to shifting market demand. The cabinet is currently exploring ways to mandate this storage obligation for suppliers, aiming for full implementation by the autumn of 2028.

Furthermore, the Netherlands intends to advocate in Brussels for the removal of mandatory European gas storage targets, as the country currently bears significant costs to support regional needs without compensation. In addition to these changes, the government is proceeding with plans to establish a national emergency gas reserve of 5 terawatt-hours, which would provide a two-week buffer. This reserve may be expanded depending on future decisions regarding European storage regulations. These measures are designed to ensure national energy security as current market dynamics continue to complicate storage efforts.

Politics Economy Netherlands

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Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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