After gas storage has fallen sharply recently, the federal government is today advising on the current situation and how to proceed. The proclamation of the second level of the gas emergency plan, the alarm level, is also hanging in the room. The government’s goal is to fill the storage tanks to 80 percent before the start of the heating season. This would require more than 32,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) of gas to be stored.
The reason for the low injection rates was the high gas exports from Austria to Italy, according to the first analyses. On March 30, Austria declared the early warning phase, the first phase of the three-phase gas emergency plan.
“Delivery development very intricate”
Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) said last Friday that the development of supplies from Russia would be monitored “very closely” and the government would raise the alert level if it turned out that the storage target was at risk.
What happens if the alert level is activated?
In the alarm phase, large gas consumers should report their planned gas needs to E-Control on a daily basis. A special crisis gas distribution system (FlexMOL) would be activated. Companies would be asked, but not required, to conserve gas or replace it with other energy sources. Households are saved on gas in all scenarios.
According to OMV, delivery volumes from Russia are currently stable
OMV also assessed the situation as stable with regard to delivery volumes from Russia. Deliveries initially fell by 30 percent in mid-June and then by up to 50 percent. However, the losses can currently be offset with spot purchases, the OMV spokesperson said. However, the price developments since the start of the Ukraine crisis show that this is an expensive alternative: the price for one megawatt hour (MWh) is currently around 152 euros, a year ago it was just under 36 euros.
Power supply situation secured
As the daily management report from Austrian Gas Grid Management AG (AGGM) revealed on Monday, the supply situation for end customers in Austria is currently safe. Demand will continue to be fully covered by imports. According to OMV’s estimate, the supply is currently guaranteed, especially because there is no heating during the summer season. You should also keep in mind that Austria has relatively large storage facilities.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
