Ivan Gelyukh: Thanks to LNG, Europe strengthens energy security

Europe has reoriented itself to imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), as it sees it as a strategic tool for energy security guarantees.

This was stated in the author’s column by DTEK top manager Ivan Gelyukh. In his opinion, this has become especially relevant after the reduction in pipeline gas supplies from Russia.

“According to statistics, in 2023 the share of LNG in total gas imports to the EU increased to 43%, compared to 26% in 2021. This made it possible to compensate for losses from the reduction in Russian supplies and significantly reduce dependence on regional routes,” noted Ivan Gelyukh.

According to him, Europe currently imports more than 130 billion cubic meters of LNG per year, which is 25-30% of its total natural gas consumption. According to the expert, this not only ensures a balance of energy needs, but also diversifies sources of supply, which is critically important in periods of energy crises.

Among the key areas of LNG development, Ivan Gelyukh highlights several important aspects. First, this is an increase in the number of LNG terminals that are being actively built in countries such as the USA, Qatar and Australia. These countries are significantly increasing their production capacities to meet the demand for liquefied gas worldwide.

The second aspect, according to Gelyukh, concerns innovations in transportation. New technologies, in particular, improved cooling systems, the creation of larger LNG tankers and the use of evaporated gas as fuel, make the transportation process more efficient and economically profitable.

The expert notes the use of floating regasification terminals as another promising area.

“Thanks to this technology, it becomes possible to deliver LNG directly to end consumers faster and cheaper, which is an important factor in meeting the energy needs of regions with limited infrastructure,” summarizes Ivan Gelyukh.