Natural gas consumption of Germany 2005-2018
Between 2005 and 2014, Germany saw a gradual reduction in its natural gas consumption, with levels falling to 73.9 billion cubic meters (bcm). Over the following three years the country’s consumption increased annually, but by 2018 it had decreased to 88.3 bcm. In comparison, domestic production has been in annual decline since 2003. Demand is expected to increase in the future because of a move away from coal and nuclear power. These energy sources made up half of Germany’s energy mix in 2017.
Dependence on energy imports
Due to increased demand and falling production, Germany is heavily reliant on energy imports, with its dependency rate increasing to 64 percent in 2016. In 2018, Germany imported 100.8 billion cubic meters of natural gas, by far the highest rate throughout Europe. Imports are expected to increase further as coal and nuclear power is phased out.
Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline
In 2018, Germany granted permission for the construction of a 746-mile gas pipeline expansion to the Nord Stream pipeline. It will connect Russia with Germany through the Baltic sea and will have a capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas a year. Construction is expected to be completed at the end of 2019. This plan has not been without controversies, however. There are fears it will increase German reliance on Russian energy. Ukraine, which the pipeline bypasses, filed a lawsuit against its construction, and 10 European countries officially stated that the project was not in the EU’s best interests.
Dependence on energy imports
Due to increased demand and falling production, Germany is heavily reliant on energy imports, with its dependency rate increasing to 64 percent in 2016. In 2018, Germany imported 100.8 billion cubic meters of natural gas, by far the highest rate throughout Europe. Imports are expected to increase further as coal and nuclear power is phased out.
Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline
In 2018, Germany granted permission for the construction of a 746-mile gas pipeline expansion to the Nord Stream pipeline. It will connect Russia with Germany through the Baltic sea and will have a capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas a year. Construction is expected to be completed at the end of 2019. This plan has not been without controversies, however. There are fears it will increase German reliance on Russian energy. Ukraine, which the pipeline bypasses, filed a lawsuit against its construction, and 10 European countries officially stated that the project was not in the EU’s best interests.
