Denmark concluded 2024 with gas reserves reaching 93.76% of its total capacity, or around 9.21 TWh, according to data from Trading Economics. Although this performance exceeded the minimum target of 90% imposed by the European Union, it remained below the recommendation of 95% to guarantee optimal energy security during winter.
Strict European objectives to secure winter
The European Union requires its member states to fill their gas storage facilities to at least 90% by November 1. This policy aims to strengthen collective energy resilience in the face of market tensions, exacerbated by geopolitical and climatic factors.
For Denmark, this target represents a minimum of 9.33 TWh of stored gas. The recommended threshold, set at 95%, is equivalent to 9.85 TWh. Despite notable progress, the country has not been able to reach this level due to specific constraints.
The reasons for a persistent delay
Denmark cited several factors to justify this mixed result. Among them are delays in the maintenance of storage infrastructure and insufficient local gas production. These difficulties were communicated to the European Commission, in a constant dialogue to explain the deviations from the objectives.
However, the situation worsened at the beginning of 2025. As of January 1, Danish gas reserves had fallen to 59.2%, or approximately 6.14 TWh. This level, well below the recommended thresholds, exposes the country to significant risks for the rest of the winter.
A difficult winter for energy reserves
Several elements contributed to this drop in stocks. Increased consumption during the colder months, combined with tensions on European supplies and a rise in prices on the gas market, limited the capacity to replenish reserves.
This critical situation highlights Denmark’s structural limits in terms of gas storage. With a total capacity of 10.37 TWh, the country is particularly vulnerable to market variations and supply interruptions.
Perspectives and solutions envisaged
To overcome these challenges, the Danish government will need to step up its coordination efforts with infrastructure operators and the European Union. The immediate objective is to stabilize supplies for the end of winter.
In the medium term, Denmark could diversify its energy sources and invest in more robust infrastructure. The ongoing energy transition, focused on renewable energies, could offer complementary solutions to reduce dependence on natural gas.
