Energy costs in the focus of attention

Many tenants and property owners are currently watching the development of energy prices with bated breath. The biggest concern is the supply of natural gas for heating in winter. The energy sources gas and electricity are intertwined and interdependent. Here are some facts and figures:

According to the Federal Statistical Office, natural gas was the most important energy source in industry in 2020, with a share of 31.2 percent. Private households covered most of their residential energy needs with natural gas in 2019, accounting for 41.2 percent. 13 percent of the electricity generated in Germany and fed into the power grid came from natural gas in Q1 2022. In 2021, 95 percent of Germany's natural gas was imported.

Fossil fuels continue to play a significant role in industry in Germany. These include natural gas, mineral oil and coal. The chemical industry, food and feed producers, and metal production and processing account for the highest share of total natural gas consumption.

Private households cover 41 percent of their energy needs with natural gas, which is by far the most important energy source in this sector. Gas heating systems have recently been used less and less in new buildings. In residential buildings completed in 2021, gas is now used as the primary heating source in only 34.3 percent. In 2020, the share was still just under 39 percent, and in 2019, just under 42 percent.

Natural gas continues to be significant for electricity generation. In the first quarter of 2022, 13.0 percent of the electricity generated in Germany and fed into the power grid was generated from natural gas. Overall, 3.7 percent more electricity was fed into the grid in Germany in the first quarter of 2022 than in the 1st quarter of 2021.

95 percent of the natural gas fed into the German grid comes from abroad. To cushion price and volume fluctuations, some of the natural gas is stored temporarily. In July, the gas storage facilities were just under two-thirds full, which is roughly the average fill level for the years 2015 to 2020.

(Photo: © Th. G. Maxmann, Pixabay)