Feb 18 • 11:05 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany FAZ

Flexible, but Dangerous: Beautiful New Gas World

Europe is increasingly relying on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, primarily from the USA, which poses certain risks for gas storage.

Europe's gas market has undergone a significant transformation due to geopolitical tensions, notably the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which drastically reduced Russian gas imports to just 13% of total European supplies from nearly half before the conflict. As a response, EU countries have turned to liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, particularly from the United States, with Germany seeing a remarkable increase in LNG imports through its terminals over the past year, specifically a 54% rise compared to the previous year.

The rapid pivot to new gas suppliers and the construction of import terminals showcase the agility of European nations amidst the energy crisis. Moreover, energy prices have stabilized, with a new equilibrium appearing at around 30 euros per megawatt-hour. However, this shift towards LNG isn't without challenges; the article hints at potential dangers linked to the flexibility of LNG sourcing and the implications for energy security in Europe, thereby raising questions about the sustainability of this new energy approach.

As Europe moves away from dependence on Russian gas, it must navigate the implications of reliance on LNG imports and the risks that accompany this transition, including fluctuating market prices, geopolitical dependencies, and the environmental impact of increased LNG production and transportation. The transition to a more diverse energy portfolio is critical, yet it requires careful management to avoid potential pitfalls inherent in the 'beautiful new gas world.'

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