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Europe's Emerging LNG Landscape: A Look at the Planned Terminals

Source: Guanabara Bay LNG Import Terminal, Excelerate Energy

In the dynamic panorama of global energy, Europe stands at an intriguing crossroads. The continent is witnessing a transformative era, characterized by a prolific surge in the planning and construction of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals. Delving into data sourced from Gas Infrastructure Europe, we can paint a comprehensive picture of this evolving LNG landscape.

LNG Terminals: The New Frontier

Roughly 22 large-scale LNG terminals are in various planning or construction stages across Europe. Among them, 13 represent the first of their kind for their respective countries, underscoring a broader continental acceptance and a monumental shift towards LNG.

Spotlight on New Installations

  • Albania (non-EU27): The Vlora Terminal, slated to begin operations in 2023, is planned as an FSRU. This Floating Storage Regasification Unit is a testament to the growing preference for such facilities in Europe.
  • Cyprus (EU27): The Vasiliko LNG terminal, currently under construction, is set to become operational by 2023, bolstering Cyprus's energy infrastructure with an FSRU.
  • Estonia (EU27): Two significant terminals are in the planning phase - the Paldiski LNG Terminal and the TallinnLNG at Muuga, both of which will be large onshore installations.
  • Germany (EU27): Germany is actively expanding its LNG infrastructure, with the Brunsbüttel and Stade LNG terminals set to be large onshore facilities. Additionally, three FSRUs are planned in Wilhelmshaven and Lubmin.
  • Greece (EU27): Apart from the operational Revithoussa LNG Terminal, Greece is planning multiple FSRUs, including the Dioriga Gas, Alexandroupolis, Thrace, and Argo FSRU. Alexandroupolis is already under construction and set to start in 2023.
  • Italy (EU27): Italy's focus isn't just on its operational terminals like Panigaglia and Rovigo. Two new FSRUs under the label SNAM are in the works, and a large onshore facility at Porto Empedocle in Sicily is also planned.
  • Latvia (EU27): Latvia's Skulte LNG terminal, set to be a direct link to UGS, is a novel project scheduled for 2023.
  • Netherlands (EU27): Apart from the operational Gate terminal in Rotterdam, there are plans for its expansion, with construction ongoing for a 2023 deadline and another planned for 2025. A new FSRU named Eemsenergyterminal has also begun operations in 2022.

Enhancing Existing Capacities

  • Belgium (EU27): The established Zeebrugge LNG Terminal will undergo two expansions, set for 2024 and 2026, reinforcing Belgium's commitment to LNG.
  • Croatia (EU27): The operational Krk LNG Terminal, known as LNG Croatia, has an expansion on the horizon for 2029.
  • France (EU27): The nation's slew of operational terminals, including Dunkerque, Fos Cavaou, Fos-Tonkin, and Montoir-de-Bretagne, will be joined by new facilities. The Fos Cavaou terminal has planned expansions for 2022 and 2030, and a new FSRU in Le Havre is also in the pipeline.

Conclusion

Europe's determined stride towards a diversified energy future is manifest in its LNG terminal projects. The emphasis on both new constructions and expanding existing capacities indicates a long-term commitment to LNG. As these projects materialize, Europe will fortify its position as a key player in the global LNG arena, ready to meet the demands of the future.

Reference: European CommissionGas Infrastructure Europe