LNG, a strategic safeguard

Europe has transformed into a global LNG demand powerhouse over the last few years, with the fuel continuing to play a key role in safeguarding the continent’s energy security, Carsten Poppinga, chief commercial officer at Uniper, tells Petroleum Economist

In Uniper’s view, what have been the main LNG market developments and trends over the past year, particularly in Europe? Poppinga: We have seen how the European LNG market has fundamentally evolved over the past year. The urgent need to reinforce energy security, especially after the decline in Russian pipeline supplies, has transformed Europe into a global LNG demand powerhouse. Our continent’s LNG imports have become essential to maintaining energy stability. The remarkable pace at which we’ve expanded regasification capacity—such as completing the Wilhelmshaven terminal in less than a year—demonstrates Europe’s determination to improve its infrastructure. At Uniper, we have actively parti