Dutch Climate and Energy Minister Rob Jetten does not foresee any problems with gas deliveries this winter. He wrote this on Monday in a letter to the Lower House. The Netherlands has sufficient (low-calorific) gas in storage for protected customers (including SMEs, education and government services). Assuming a normal winter, there is no reason to expect insecurity of supply prin supplies to non-protected customers either, including glasshouse horticulture, the Duthc interest group for agricultural and horticultural entrepreneurs Glastuinbouw Nederland adds.
The Minister emphasizes that there is no gas crisis at the moment. "That is why the measures from the Gas Protection and Recovery Plan (BH-G) - emergency plan and shutdown plan - will not be put into effect for the time being."
Adri Bom-Lemstra with ministers Staghouwer and Jetten during the energy protest in The Hague at the end of January.
Prices react
According to current forecasts, the Ministry expects that under normal circumstances the Netherlands will get through the winter well. Moreover, there is a reduced dependence on Russian gas. As of January, Europe imports about 20%-25% of its gas needs from Russia, for the Dutch market this percentage is even lower. In previous years, Europe imported around 40% of its gas needs from Russia. "As indicated, the Netherlands' direct dependence on Russian gas is limited. However, in an open market such as the gas market, European countries will compete with each other for the demand for natural gas. In the event of a limited supply of gas, prices will initially react. This will have a depressing effect on demand," the Minister analyzed.
Source: Glastuinbouw Nederland