Future LNG overcapacity to boost hydrogen imports

Regasification terminals can be repurposed to receive ammonia and synthetic methane

Europe’s LNG terminals could eventually provide significant hydrogen import capacity, using either ammonia or synthetic methane, according to energy industry experts. European countries are scrambling to build extra LNG import capacity as they diversify their gas supplies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, they are seeking to reduce gas consumption even faster than previously planned. This could rapidly lead to a substantial gas import overcapacity, says Brussels-based thinktank Bruegel. Bruegel calculates an expected natural gas supply of 4,500TWh from 2026, up from 3,750TWh in 2023, as LNG terminals start to come online. Some will be temporary floating terminals, but