Netherlands: Gas Supply Concerns & Calls for Emergency Reserves

The Netherlands may be ill-prepared for a prolonged disruption to gas supplies, according to a new analysis from Gasunie Transport Services, a subsidiary of the Dutch gas infrastructure company Gasunie. The warning, published on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, highlights a vulnerability in the country’s energy security despite adequate provisions for short-term outages. The core concern centers on a lack of a strategic gas reserve, leaving the nation exposed to potentially sharp price increases and significant economic damage should imports be interrupted for months.

Current Gas Storage Levels Raise Concerns

The assessment comes at a time of heightened energy market anxiety. Data from Agsie, a data collector, indicates that gas storage levels in the Netherlands stood at just 8.97% as of Wednesday, even as the heating season continues until the end of April. As reported by De Telegraaf, this relatively low level underscores the urgency of the situation. Currently, Dutch regulations mandate a strategic reserve for oil, but not for natural gas.

Gasunie, which manages the gas network in the Netherlands and parts of Germany, operates four large underground storage facilities containing approximately 300 terrawatt-hours of “cushion gas.” This cushion gas is typically maintained at a constant pressure within the storage facilities and isn’t readily available for use. However, Gasunie suggests that a portion of this cushion gas could be released during emergencies to mitigate potential shortages. The company’s website details its role in the energy transition, including its increasing focus on green gas and hydrogen.

Political Considerations and the Groningen Gas Field

Releasing cushion gas could potentially avoid the politically sensitive reopening of the Groningen gas field. The Groningen field was largely shut down due to earthquakes triggered by gas extraction, causing significant damage and public concern. While JA21, a political party, has advocated for reopening Groningen, a majority in the Dutch Parliament remains opposed due to the seismic risks. Gasunie CEO Willemien Terpstra believes utilizing cushion gas could offer a solution in a severe crisis, avoiding the need to revisit the Groningen issue.

Market Volatility and Filling Storage for Next Winter

The gas market has been volatile since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East on February 28th, despite the Netherlands’ reliance on pipeline gas from Norway and limited impact from a Qatari production halt. A key challenge lies in replenishing gas storage levels after April 1st. Geopolitical tensions and rising prices could make refilling the reserves expensive, potentially deterring market participants. RTV Noord reports that if storage levels aren’t adequately replenished this summer, the government may need to appoint a “filling agent” to procure gas on behalf of the country.

Echoes of the 2022 Energy Crisis

Gasunie’s warning draws parallels to the European gas crisis that unfolded following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Dutch government was forced to allocate hundreds of millions of euros to compensate households and businesses for soaring energy costs. The Dagblad van het Noorden highlights the need for realism in light of the current geopolitical climate.

SodM Concerns Regarding Cushion Gas Withdrawal

However, the proposal to utilize cushion gas isn’t without its critics. The State Supervision of Mines (SodM) advises against extracting cushion gas from the Groningen field, citing unacceptable seismic risks. Any such move would require revisions to existing laws and regulations, a process that wouldn’t be swift. The SodM’s concerns underscore the trade-offs between energy security and minimizing the risk of induced seismicity.

The Role of Gasunie and the Broader Energy Landscape

Gasunie’s core function is managing the energy infrastructure in the Netherlands and northern Germany. The company is actively involved in facilitating the energy transition, shifting from primarily transporting natural gas to incorporating green gas and hydrogen into its network. According to NRC, Gasunie is also working on networks for heat and CO2 transport, aiming for a more sustainable energy system.

What’s Next: Government Response and Storage Levels

The immediate next step is a response from the Dutch government to Gasunie’s call for a strategic gas reserve. The government will need to assess the feasibility of establishing such a reserve, considering the costs, logistical challenges and potential regulatory hurdles. Monitoring gas storage levels throughout the spring and summer will be crucial. If storage facilities aren’t adequately filled, the government may be compelled to intervene directly in the market, potentially through the appointment of a filling agent. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the Netherlands can bolster its energy security and avoid a repeat of the price shocks experienced in 2022.