Germany's Gas Supply Outlook for 2026: Critical Assessment Post-Ukraine Invasion
Germany's gas supply outlook for 2026 reflects a significant shift from Russian to alternative sources, including Norwegian pipeline gas and LNG imports from the USA and Qatar, following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. As of January 2026, gas storage levels were notably low at 37.5%, with rising prices and concerns over infrastructure costs and environmental impacts, although the Federal Network Agency assessed the risk of shortages as low. The country's reliance on US LNG introduces geopolitical risks, while plans for future gas power plants convertible to hydrogen by 2045 are underway amid limited domestic production.
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Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Germany has shifted its gas supply from Russian pipeline gas to Norwegian pipeline gas, LNG imports from the USA, Qatar, and limited contributions from the Netherlands and Belgium. By January 26, 2026, gas storage levels were at 37.5%, significantly below the 2017-2021 average.
In 2025, gas consumption was 864 TWh with imports at 1,031 TWh. The price of gas rose from approximately €27/MWh to €40/MWh. Infrastructure costs and environmental impacts raise concerns about the sustainability of Germany's energy strategy.
Despite low storage levels, the Federal Network Agency considered the risk of shortages low. The country remains dependent on US LNG, raising geopolitical risks. Plans for new gas power plants to be convertible to hydrogen by 2045 continue, but domestic gas production remains low.
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