Brussels: Europe’s underground gas storage reserves have surpassed 38 billion cubic meters (bcm), marking a significant milestone in the continent’s energy landscape. The capacity rate of underground gas storage facilities in European Union countries has reached nearly 35% for the first time in over three years, APA-Economics reports, citing Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE).

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the current capacity level of storage facilities in EU countries stands at 34.96%, which is 10.63 percentage points lower than the average for this date over the past five years. Since the onset of the heating season, EU countries have withdrawn more than 74.5 bcm from underground gas storage (UGS) facilities. The heating season in Europe began on October 29, 2024, and concluded on March 28 of this year.

It is reported that the total volume of gas in storage facilities currently amounts to 38.2 bcm. It is important to note that, as per the European Commission’s requirements, EU countries must ensure that their gas storage facilities are 90% full by November 1 each year. This is to guarantee adequate reserves for the winter period in case of supply disruptions or unusually cold weather conditions. Consequently, during the upcoming underground storage filling season, Europe’s net gas injection must be at least 61 bcm. This figure is nearly 50% higher than the net gas injection of the previous year and ranks among the highest in history.

Additionally, since December 31, 2020, Azerbaijan has been transporting its gas to Europe through the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).