The LNG dumping ground
Diversification and a drive to cut coal use should increase Europe’s LNG regasification capacity, making it a sink for spare cargoes
EUROPEAN energy demand isn’t expected to grow quickly in the rest of this decade – but liquefied natural gas should be a bright spot. The continent wants alternatives to Russian pipeline gas and dirty coal. Growing import capacity should also allow Europe to soak up excess cargoes from over-supplied Asian markets as new US exports come on stream. LNG import capacity across eastern Europe – including Croatia, but excluding Poland and the Baltic states – grew by 9.6m tonnes in 2015 to reach around 140m tonnes a year. A further 46m will be added by 2020 in the key northwest markets, predicts consultancy Douglas Westwood. Diversification, clean energy and population growth make this expansion “e
Also in this section
11 February 2026
Panellists from three LNG buyers at LNG2026 in Doha outlined their evolving procurement strategies as they navigate heightened market volatility
11 February 2026
North African producer plans to boost output by early 2030, with Europe its number one priority as export destination
11 February 2026
Maritime leaders at LNG2026 warned of the dangers of over-regulation on competitiveness, sustainability and innovation
10 February 2026
The country has opened bidding on 50 blocks in a new licensing round but will face competition for attention and will need to address concerns about security and legislation
