Introduction

Growing consumption of natural gas and limited domestic production will see Europe race ahead in order to ensure the security of future supply by reducing current import dependence. The need to transport energy supplies will necessitate gas interconnectors, and the linking of different gas transmission systems across Europe.

Features and benefits

• Analysis of the drivers behind European gas interconnector projects.
• Detailed tables and graphics showing current and planned projects with routes and capacities.

Highlights

Energy security and diversity of supply is a key driver of energy demand across Europe. Declining indigenous natural gas reserves within the region have increased reliance on gas imports, which in turn increases demand for long distance pipelines and additional natural gas interconnection facilities.

The intermittent nature of renewable power generation will ensure that Europe encourages natural gas as a significant source of electricity generation. In turn, this will act as a positive driver of gas interconnection facility demand, especially for pipelines from gas storage facilities that fulfill any fall from renewable power generation.

Provision of gas interconnection capacity in Europe will likely foster greater competition by allowing arbitrage between countries trading in natural gas and lowering average energy prices across the region.

Your key questions answered

• What are the drivers behind the need for gas interconnectors?
• What are the leading projects under development or under consideration?
• Which projects are likely to succeed?
• What is the role of regulation?
• What are the investment needs?