The role of LNG supplies in balancing natural gas demand in EU countries

M. Dudek,Rafał Biały,Tadeusz Olkuski,Mariusz Ruszel,Adam Szurlej,W. Suwała,S. Łopata,J. Leszczyński,Mariusz Łaciak,Piotr Janusz

doi:10.1051/e3sconf/201910802014

Abstract

Over the last decade, developments could be observed in the structure of primary energy consumption in EU countries. In order to achieve the goals, energy carriers with minimum impact on the natural environment are used, and natural gas is considered to be such a fuel. The share of natural gas in the EU’s energy balance in the analysed period, from 2000 to 2016, remained at a relatively stable level. However, in the case of individual countries, its share in the energy balance depends on specific characteristics of a country. Regardless of the share of natural gas in the energy consumption structure of individual countries, they strive to diversify the supply of natural gas. One of the main constituents of natural gas supply diversification is the construction of LNG import terminals. Access to this infrastructure enhances energy security and offers better opportunities when negotiating long-term contracts for the supply of natural gas. The EU possesses significant possibilities of importing natural gas through LNG terminals, but until now they have been used to a limited extent, it may indicate that in addition todiversification tasks, terminals are a guarantee in the event ofinterruptions in gas supplies using gas pipelines.

Highlights

Over the last decade, developments could be observed in the structure of primary energy consumption in EU countries
There has been a significant decline in natural gas production in EU countries in recent years
Between 2010-2017 the production in EU countries decreased by nearly 58 bcm and in 2017 it was 117.7 bcm; it was similar to the natural gas production in Norway, i.e. 117 bcm

Summary

Introduction

EU countries recording a systematic growth in natural gas consumption, ranging from approximately 11.6 billion cubic metres (bcm) in 2000 to 14.4 bcm in 2007, and to as much as 19.1 bcm in 2017 [1]. Whereas in the majority of EU countries a decline in natural gas consumption for energy purposes has been seen in recent years, mainly at the expense of RES, Poland is showing an increasing trend in such use of natural gas, due to several combined-cycle power plants that have been put into operation. This transition from coal to gas in centralized heat and power generation sector helps to reduce air pollution and mitigate adverse health effects [2]

Other RES

Teesside GasPort

Total LNG import to UE

Natural gas consumption

Findings

Summary