📋 Tender Overview
July 13, 2026
MUNICH - Bavarias Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger has called for more precise precautions in view of the current discussion about the development of a national natural gas reserve. A gas reserve must be designed in such a way that, in combination with other instruments, it can supply Germany over a longer period of time, even in exceptional crisis situations.
Aiwanger: In these times of crisis, we need a national gas reserve that deserves its name and, together with regular winter provisions, can supply our country for several weeks. We have a national mineral oil reserve of three months, the gas reserve cannot be that long, but it must not be too small. Ten days would not be enough for me. Energy is part of our national security provisions. Anyone who seriously wants to prepare for crises must not be left on edge. It must therefore be carefully considered whether the The 24 TWh planned by the Federal Ministry of Economics are sufficient. At least a third of the reserve should be in Bavarian storage facilities in order to be able to cover the corresponding requirements in the Free State in terms of performance. We cannot afford to shut down gas storage facilities as recently discussed.
Despite the expansion of renewable energies, natural gas will remain an indispensable part of the energy supply for the foreseeable future. It is not only needed to supply heat to millions of households, but also in industry as process energy and raw material as well as to generate electricity, especially to secure weather-dependent renewable energies. Against this background, Germany must be better prepared for possible supply interruptions or other crisis scenarios.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has presented key points for a national gas reserve. The consultation of the states and associations is currently underway. According to current planning, the cabinet decision is scheduled for August 12th.
Contact person:
Jurgen Marks
Head of press department
Press release on the publishers website
