Unlike the gas storage facilities in Norg and Grijpskerk, which are controlled by the government, Bergermeer is managed by private parties, including Gazprom. That Russian state-owned company accounts for 40% of the total capacity, but made little use of it last winter. As a result, the storage, which is one of the largest in northwestern Europe, was not nearly full.
Jetten “doesn’t know exactly the reason” why Gazprom left its share of storage virtually empty. “But I just think that it was thought about in advance.” Without sufficient reserves, the Netherlands and many other European countries are dependent on the direct supply of Russian gas in the winter months. Moscow could use that in recent months as a means of pressure in the conflict with Ukraine.
In recent weeks, votes have already been raised in the House of Representatives to expropriate Gazprom if necessary, so that the company can no longer hinder the adequate filling of Bergermeer. Jetten did not want to anticipate the outcome, also so as not to get in the way of the negotiations. He emphasized that several scenarios are on the table, but did not rule out anything.