The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) sees possible problems for the refilling of gas storage facilities in Europe before the winter months next year. “Our estimates tell us that stock levels will fall from 90 percent to 25 to 20 percent by February 2023,” said IEA boss Fatih Birol in an interview with the Italian newspaper “La Repubblica” (Tuesday). The question is how Europe intends to fill the stands back up to 80 to 90 percent in 2023.
According to the Turkish economist, the fact that energy supplies still came from Moscow and China imported less liquid gas than expected because of its economic development helped to fill the storage tanks this year. In the coming year, the Chinese economy could regain strength and Beijing could demand more gas, which would result in price increases for the Europeans.
According to Birol, he does not expect any major interruptions or power outages for Europe’s energy supply in the approaching winter, as the storage facilities are about 90 percent full. This should last until February or March, barring a “significant disruption in deliveries”. Should there be a serious interruption, however, “energy solidarity” between the European countries is essential, Birol warned.
Interview in “La Repubblica” (Italian)
