While almost all of Spain has been on alert for low temperatures, snowfall and wind in recent days, the new cold wave is causing a sharp increase in energy consumption. Enagás, operator of the Spanish gas system, stepped in ‘exceptional operation’ case, second in less than a month until the situation returns to normal and triggers natural gas consumption forecasts for the whole country.
Low temperatures caused “Extraordinary increase” in natural gas demand Regarding forecasts for normal weather conditions, according to a communication sent by Enagás to all operators of the gas system. The company declared the situation an ‘exceptional operation’ last Sunday and will continue to do so until further notice.
Enagás has warned of an extraordinary increase in demand this week, at least from Sunday to Thursday, until new forecasts come in. The company’s new forecast chart shows a strong deviation of 41% of the estimated gas consumption for these five days According to previous calculations, it has reached a new estimate of 4,896 GWh, a significant increase of 1,430 GWh from the originally estimated 4,466 gigawatt hours (GWh) in less than a week.
From Enagás it is emphasized: current levels of stored gas stocks means security of supply is guaranteed of the Spanish system. Currently, underground tanks are filled to more than 83% of their capacity (more than 29 terawatt hours, with TWh), and the tanks of regasification plants record a filling equivalent to 54% (approximately 12.3 TWh).
Enagás has expanded its capacity to unload liquefied natural gas (LNG) by ship in the Spanish market. Gas manager enabled three slots (discharge rights) at regasification facilities, where gas companies can make deals if they want to replenish their LNG reserves.
The current meteorological situation conforms to the definition of “cold wave” set in the Winter Action Plan for Gas System Operation published by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, led by Vice-President Teresa Ribera, and therefore Enagás defines the “situation”. exceptional operation – level zero”.
A condition that must be activated when the significant temperature for the gas system has been below the fluctuation band for at least three consecutive days or when the Civil Protection has declared an alert for the expected effects of meteorological events such as ice, snow, rain or wind, among others. .others