Publications

Survey of Energy Resources 2007

Natural Gas Country Notes

Although it is one of Europe's oldest gas producers, Germany's remaining proved reserves are sizeable, and (apart from the Netherlands) they still rank as the largest onshore reserves in Western Europe. The principal producing area is in north Germany, between the rivers Weser and Elbe; westward from the Weser to the Netherlands border lies the other main producing zone, with more mature fields.

The proved recoverable reserves advised by the German WEC Member Committee draw upon a report issued by the Landesamt für Bergbau, Energie und Geologie, Hannover in 2006 and are some 45% lower than the corresponding level reported for the 2004 Survey. While Cedigaz, World Oil and BP all quote similar levels to that reported to the WEC, Oil & Gas Journal and OPEC show about 255 bcm, which may include the additional 64 bcm of 'probable reserves' reported by the Member Committee to be eventually recoverable.

Indigenous production provides only about 20% of Germany's gas supplies; the greater part of demand is met by imports from the Russian Federation, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK and Denmark.