Klaus Müller, who leads the German Federal Network Agency, warned that Germany could face gas shortages in the coming winter due to new risks affecting energy security. He shared these concerns in an interview with a prominent financial publication, the Financial Times, highlighting the ongoing volatility in European energy markets and the potential for supply disruptions that could impact households and industry alike.
According to Müller, the risk remains real and should not be underestimated. He emphasized that the outcome will largely hinge on Germany’s ability to curb gas consumption further and to diversify its supply sources. In practical terms, this means maintaining demand reduction measures where appropriate and expanding import options to reduce dependence on a single source. The message is clear: resilience will come from both conservation and diversification, not from simply hoping for mild weather or stable markets.
He also pointed to external factors that could push gas demand higher than anticipated, including a quicker-than-expected recovery of the Chinese economy. As growth accelerates in Asia, demand for natural gas could rise, influencing global gas prices and availability. This underscores the importance of robust planning and strategic stockpiling as part of Germany’s broader energy strategy, ensuring sufficient supplies even when external demand shifts unexpectedly.
Looking back at the winter of 2023-2024, Müller noted a watershed moment: Germany would for the first time be operating without any Russian pipeline gas in general. This milestone tests the country’s preparedness and the effectiveness of its resilience measures. In his view, the experience of that season serves as a real-world stress test for grids, storage facilities, and market mechanisms designed to prevent shortages during periods of peak consumption.
Earlier remarks from Müller suggested ongoing risks of a gas emergency within the country and the need for continued vigilance. He stressed that policymakers should not expect future winters to mirror the unusually mild conditions seen in the previous year. Instead, Germany must assume a more variable climate and more volatile supply landscape, preparing accordingly with strategic reserves, diversified intake routes, and a flexible regulatory framework that can respond to rapid changes in the market.
On a related note, Robert Habeck, Germany’s Vice-Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, publicly announced the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on Russian gas. The plan involves a combination of conservation, diversified imports, and accelerated support for alternative energy paths. Habeck also signaled that these policy moves would carry consequences for the energy sector and the broader economy as the country adapts to a new energy reality. The overall focus remains clear: strengthening Germany’s energy security through proactive measures rather than waiting for favorable conditions to return.