The press foyer after Wednesday morning’s Council of Ministers was dominated by the Austrian gas supply: the federal government is now launching an information campaign to reduce uncertainty among the population. “Since the beginning of the war, we have decided to break new ground,” Chancellor Nehammer said. However, the gas emergency plan’s alert level has not been proclaimed — the goal of filling gas storage tanks to 80 percent before winter can even be reached, stressed Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler. If an industrial company does not want to store gas, this capacity can be withdrawn – as is the case with the gas storage in Haidach, which is used by Gazprom.
The gas storage facility in Haidach, owned by the Russian state-owned company Gazprom used, “isn’t filled yet,” Nehammer said. This is now being offered to other energy suppliers. “Since July 1, it is no longer allowed to store gas,” Gewessler clarified. There is also a bilateral agreement with Germany on this, according to the minister. Economic Affairs Minister Martin Kocher also emphasized that attention is being paid to storage management in preparation for the winter.
Incentives must be created for the industry to be able to store gas itself. This is to ensure that the capacities are actually available to these companies, explains Nehammer. For the industry, there should also be an electricity price compensation and a direct subsidy – also for small and medium-sized companies – Kocher explained. Applications are possible from the autumn.
Gewessler: Everyone can contribute
According to Gewessler, everyone can contribute to the crisis: maintaining the thermal baths, removing the furniture from the radiators and venting: this means that gas consumption can be reduced by up to 15 percent. Companies that purchase non-Russian gas would be reimbursed for the additional costs.
An information offensive was also promised. Due to the insecurity among the population, they need to be regularly informed about the current situation in order to respond to Russia’s “fear-mongering”. The responsible ministries should, among other things: Gas storage, infrastructure projects, purchasing at European level and possible supply disruptions.
Source: Krone
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