Despite full gas storage Germany must reduce consumption. A study has now attested to initial successes: in September, industry, commerce and private households consumed 19 percent less gas. According to researchers, further savings are likely.
According to a study, gas consumption in Germany has fallen significantly. According to a study by the Hertie School published in Berlin, industry reduced it by 19 percent in September 2022, adjusted for temperature, and private households and small businesses by as much as 36 percent.
The researchers used a model that can be used to show how current gas consumption deviates from the expected standard consumption for the respective month. "Since our first analysis in July, consumption has fallen significantly again," said Oliver Ruhnau, first author of the study. "This is good news because lower energy consumption is essential to addressing the energy crisis."
According to the information, the industry had already saved gas a year ago. However, the pace has picked up significantly lately. In absolute figures, the amount saved in September corresponds to six terawatt hours. According to the researchers, further savings are likely here.
According to the study, private households and small businesses have only noticeably saved gas since March 2022 - i.e. after the outbreak of war in Ukraine, which drove up energy prices massively. Since then, however, the savings have also become increasingly clear. "In September 2022, the absolute savings will correspond to another six terawatt hours. However, it is still unclear whether similarly large savings can also be achieved with the significantly higher consumption in winter due to the temperature."
