European Gas Industry: Where are we going?

Europe is trying to move into a hydrocarbon free economy. This is a process which is expected to take a long time, many decades. But is this consistent with the environmental objectives? Probably not if one examines the numbers and see the size of the gap between Hydrocarbon fuels and Renewables. The total world Primary Energy consumption is 13,511BOE (barrels of oil equivalent) and is growing at 2% per year. The European share of the worlds Primary Energy is 14.6% and is also growing at 1.8%.

In the energy mix, Hydrocarbons (coal, oil and gas) amount to 85% in the world and in Europe 75%, but in Europe this percentage increased about 0.5% in the past year, partially due to closure of Nuclear facilities and reduction in Hydro possibly reflecting climate problems.

So, what is the future of gas? Firstly, gas is now becoming recognised as the best transition fuel whilst the necessary technologies and concepts for renewable improve and mature. Secondly, gas in the form of LNG is developing a strong position in marine and transportation fuels and this will impact on oil consumption. This paper will examine all aspects of these issue and indicate a reliable forward strategy, should our National Governments a willingness to listen to the pragmatic scientists and engineers and less to the environmental lobby.