Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on solidarity and certain aspects concerning gas storage based on Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 of the European Parliament and of t...

EUROPEAN COMMISSION Brussels, 5.3.2025 COM(2025) 98 final REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL on solidarity and certain aspects concerning gas storage based on Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 of the European Parliament and of the Council EN EN 1. INTRODUCTION Underground gas storages (UGS) are instrumental to the security of energy supply of the EU. With a total capacity of 1147 TWh (ca. 105 bcm, corresponding to about one third of EU’s aggregated demand), it provides essential seasonal flexibility to the gas system, typically providing 25-35% of the actual gas consumption in the EU, during winter often as the main supply source. Gas storage enables a more efficient use of the EU gas system by reducing the need for high import flows during peak consumption periods when gas prices are higher thereby helping to avoid overinvestment in transmission infrastructure contributing to price stability and absorbing supply shocks. In 2021, the EU experienced a prolonged period of volatile and high energy prices due to lowerthan-usual storage filling levels, among other factors. The increased geopolitical tension after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the beginning of 2022 amplified uncertainties and highlighted the need for adequately filled gas storage for future winters. In June 2022, the co-legislators therefore adopted the Commission’s proposal for the amendment1 of the Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 on...