Imagine a winter storm hitting Europe without enough gas in the tank—higher prices, power outages, and a scramble for energy. That's the urgent reality facing the continent right now, all because Germany's surging gas consumption is throwing a wrench into everyone's efforts to refill their natural gas reserves.
But here's where it gets controversial— is Germany's reliance on gas a necessary evil in the face of unreliable renewables, or a sign that Europe's energy transition is stumbling?
LITTLETON, Colorado, November 5 (Reuters) - Germany's record-high levels of electricity production from gas since 2021 are undermining Europe's collective push to rebuild natural gas inventories before the peak demand season for gas-powered heating and electricity kicks in.
With European natural gas storage levels below the usual highs at this time of year, the region is vulnerable to wild swings in energy costs as winter approaches, when energy needs soar across the continent.
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The primary culprit behind this spike in Germany's gas utilization is a prolonged downturn in electricity from wind turbines and hydroelectric facilities. Over the first ten months of 2025, gas-fired power output in Germany has risen by approximately 15% compared to the same period last year, according to data from LSEG.
If below-average wind power persists into the colder months, German energy companies might need to keep burning gas at these elevated rates, potentially straining regional gas availability and driving up electricity bills for consumers.
And this is the part most people miss—how one country's energy choices can ripple out to affect the entire EU's stability.
GASSED UP
For the initial ten months of 2025, Germany's gas-based electricity generation reached 41.6 gigawatt hours (GWh), the highest for that timeframe since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 disrupted gas markets across the region, as indicated by LSEG data.
Germany once topped the list for receiving Russian gas through pipelines, but it played a leading role in Europe's drive to reduce imports from Russia following the invasion. To understand this better, think of natural gas as a vital fuel for heating homes and powering factories—when supply lines from Russia were cut, it was like losing a major supermarket chain, forcing everyone to shop elsewhere.
Right after those Russian gas supplies dwindled, Germany's energy grid slashed gas consumption to levels not seen in years, with gas plants contributing just under 15% of utility power in 2022, down from over 17% in 2021.
Yet, the nation hasn't fully adjusted its energy infrastructure to this abrupt shortage, substituting much of the lost Russian gas with imports from elsewhere, often in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which costs significantly more. LNG is like gas in a compressed, cooled form that can be shipped overseas, but it's pricier due to the extra processing and transport.
This influx of alternative gas has led to a gradual uptick in Germany's gas usage. So far this year, gas has made up 19% of the country's electricity mix, the highest share for January through October since at least 2015, per Ember data.
CLEAN CUTS
Extended periods of poor performance from wind farms and hydro plants have also compelled utilities to rely more on gas.
From January to October, combined electricity from wind and hydro sources fell by 7% compared to the same months in 2024, hitting the lowest point for that period since 2022, LSEG data reveals.
In the first ten months of 2024, wind and hydro together provided 34% of Germany's total power, but this year, they've dipped to just under 31%.
To make up for this shortfall in renewable energy—think of wind and hydro as free, clean sources of power that don't produce emissions—German utilities have boosted output from fossil fuels. Coal-fired generation has increased by about 4% year-over-year, and overall fossil fuel production is up 6%, according to LSEG.
Here's a controversial twist—while fossil fuels like coal are being blamed for climate change, some argue that in times of energy uncertainty, they're a pragmatic stopgap. Do you think this justifies burning more coal, or should renewables be prioritized at all costs?
TAKING STOCK
The ongoing high gas usage this year has slowed the refilling of gas storage in both Germany and Europe, which act as crucial safeguards against fluctuations in global gas markets during periods of intense demand.
Germany holds about 25% of Europe's total gas storage capacity, more than any other nation, so how quickly it builds up reserves directly influences the region's overall stocks.
Currently, Germany's gas storage is about 86% full, but by this stage of the year, tanks are typically overflowing due to anticipated winter needs. For context, gas storage is like a giant underground battery for energy—storing excess gas for when it's needed most.
LSEG data shows Germany's storage levels have averaged 108% of capacity by late October over the past three years, meaning current reserves are significantly lower than normal.
This shortfall in Germany is echoing in Europe's broader storage system, which stands at roughly 83% full, versus an average of 96.5% at this time since 2022, per LSEG data.
WIND WATCH
German wind farms could ultimately decide if the country's gas reserves will suffice for its energy requirements into 2026.
Up to now in 2025, Germany's total wind power output is down about 4% from last year, attributed to weaker-than-usual winds affecting turbine performance for much of the year, according to LSEG data.
That said, winters often bring stronger winds, which can dramatically boost generation as the new year begins.
Recent short-term forecasts from LSEG predict wind output to stay below average through mid-November, increasing the likelihood of sustained high gas-powered electricity in the immediate future.
Looking further ahead to next spring, projections suggest wind generation could align closely with long-term averages, potentially limiting the demand for gas during the upcoming winter.
If German wind farms continue to suffer prolonged lulls, however, it might lead to more episodes of heavy gas reliance, further depleting reserves and possibly hiking gas prices regionally.
What do you think—could investing more in wind technology solve this, or is gas too entrenched in Europe's energy mix? Share your views in the comments below. Do you agree that Germany's shift away from renewables is unavoidable right now, or is there a better path forward? We'd love to hear your take to spark a discussion!
The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters.
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Reporting by Gavin Maguire; Editing by Christopher Cushing
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Opinions expressed are those of the author. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.
Gavin Maguire is the Global Energy Transition Columnist. He was previously Asia Commodities and Energy editor.
