Europe

Global News August 2023

Latest industry developments from around the world!

EU to Open Third Round of Joint Gas Buying in September

The European Union will open its third round of joint gas buying next month, as the bloc moves to secure supplies in preparation for another winter with scarce Russian gas.

Hungary's MVM to Buy Gas from Turkey's BOTAS in 'Groundbreaking' Deal

Hungarian energy conglomerate MVM has agreed to buy about 300 million cubic meters of natural gas from Turkish energy company BOTAS.

Hungary to Receive LNG from Qatar Starting in 2027

Hungary can begin to receive shipments of LNG gas from Qatar in 2027, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told a news conference on Friday.

German Government to Examine Finances of Private LNG Operator

The German government will examine the finances of Deutsche ReGas, the operator of a planned LNG terminal on the Baltic coast opposed by local authorities, it said in a response to a lawmaker seen by Reuters on Thursday.

Dutch Court Rules Huge Carbon Capture Project Can Go Ahead

The Netherlands' highest court on Wednesday ruled that construction of a major carbon capture project in the Rotterdam port area can go ahead, despite objections by environmental activists.

Portgas Preparing to Automate Gas Mix, New Pipeline Technologies

(P&GJ) — REN Portgás, one of Portugal’s leading natural gas distributors, upgraded to DNV’s Synergi Gas Automated Model Builder to boost quicker and better-informed decision-making as they prepare for the new energy mix.

Poland Successfully Repairs Leaked Druzhba Oil Pipeline

Polish pipeline operator PERN said on Tuesday that it had restored the Druzhba oil pipeline to full functionality as expected after discovering a leak.

Norway Approves Connection of Western Europe's Largest LNG Plant to Grid

Norway has approved a plan to connect Equinor's Hammerfest LNG plant to the national power grid in a bid to cut greenhouse gas emissions, despite local opposition, the government said on Tuesday.

Analysis: Surging U.S. Crude Oil Exports Disrupt European, Asian Prices

Surging U.S. crude exports in 2023 are pushing down oil prices in Europe and Asia, proving a key source of supply as producers cut output and sanctions on Russian crude disrupt trade flows.

SGN Project to Repurpose UK Gas Pipeline to Carry Hydrogen Gets Green Light

The $38 million project will trial 100% hydrogen gas through a 30-km (19-mile) decommissioned gas pipeline between Grangemouth and Granton in Scotland.

Tecnicas Reunidas, Ansaldo Energia to Develop RWE Hydrogen Plant in Germany

A consortium comprising Spain's Tecnicas Reunidas and Italy's Ansaldo Energia is set to develop a hydrogen-ready combined cycle power plant in Germany for utility RWE, the Spanish engineering firm said on Monday.

OMV Makes Austria’s Largest Natural Gas Discovery in 40 Years

(P&GJ) — OMV has announced the Wittau Tief-2a exploration well to be a confirmed new natural gas discovery – the country's largest natural gas discovery in 40 years. The OMV operated well is in Lower Austria and was drilled at a final depth of 5,000 meters after five months of operations.

BP Sign 10-Year LNG Supply Agreement with OMV

(P&GJ) — BP and OMV have signed a long-term sale and purchase agreement covering the supply of up to 1 million tonnes of LNG per year for ten years from 2026.

Germany's Updated Hydrogen Strategy Sees Heavy Reliance on Imported Fuel in Future

The German cabinet approved a new hydrogen strategy, setting guidelines for hydrogen production, transport infrastructure and market plans.

Spain's Enagas to Gauge Hydrogen Appetite as It Seeks EU Subsidies

Spanish natural gas grid operator Enagas is to start gathering data on hydrogen supply and demand as it moves forward with plans for national and international hydrogen pipelines it expects will get significant European Union subsidies.

Global News July 2023

Latest industry developments from around the world!

Global Construction Update: LNG Markets, Resurgent China Kindle Pipeline Projects

(PGJ) — Global midstream markets continue to face near-term headwinds and economic uncertainties, but Europe’s rapid transition from Russian energy and projected higher demand in Asia continue to drive midstream expansion in those regions and others that supply them.

World’s Top LNG Players Push for More, But Greener, Gas Investments

Current investments in gas infrastructure are falling short of what is needed, officials at an industry conference in Japan said on Wednesday, citing the role they say the fuel has to play in both global energy security and the transition to net zero.

Tuscan LNG Terminal to Be Moved Offshore by 2026

An LNG vessel moored in the Tuscan port of Piombino will be moved off the coast of Vado Ligure and Savona in Italy's northwestern region of Liguria, the president of Liguria said on Tuesday.

EU Considers Gas Imports from Argentina, Document Shows

The European Union is considering possible gas imports from Argentina, a net gas importer that plans to expand domestic production, a draft document showed.

Brent Oil Hovers Above $81 After Supply Disruptions

Global benchmark Brent crude hovered above $81 a barrel on Friday, with bullish sentiment over U.S. demand bolstered by supply disruption in Libya and Nigeria.

German Oil Refinery Wants $448 Million in State Aid for Pipeline Upgrade

German oil refinery PCK Schwedt has applied to the economy ministry for $448.2 million in state aid to help it upgrade the Rostock-Schwedt pipeline, the local authority in Brandenburg said on Tuesday following a meeting at the facility.

Gas Operator DESFA Looking to Build 336-Mile Hydrogen Pipeline for $1.12 Billion

DESFA said that the 540-km (336-mile) pipeline will be part of a European corridor connecting regions with high potential for hydrogen production with central Europe and southern Germany, where significant demand is expected by 2030.

Uniper Chief Says Flexible Duration LNG Contracts Key for Europe

Shorter-duration contracts for LNG purchases will be important for Europe's diversifying supply given uncertainty about long-term gas demand, the new chief executive of German utility Uniper said on Monday.

Poland Wants NATO Pipelines to Reach Further East, President Says

Poland wants NATO to discuss extending its Cold War era oil pipeline system further east, President Andrzej Duda said on Monday before leaving for Vilnius for a NATO summit that will start on Tuesday.

Edison CEO: 1,242-Mile EastMed Pipeline Project Still Viable

A project to build a 2,000-km (1,242-mile) pipeline to bring natural gas from East Mediterranean fields to Europe is still alive, the CEO of Italian energy group Edison said on Friday.

German Parliament Backs Fast-Track Plans for LNG Terminals

Germany's lower house of parliament on Friday passed a legal reform to speed up the construction of LNG terminals off the Baltic Sea coast, defying resistance from local governments and environmental groups.

Portugal Doubles 2030 Goals for Solar and Hydrogen Capacity

Portugal has more than doubled its 2030 goals for installed capacity of solar energy and electrolyzers to produce green hydrogen, as it aims to decommission natural gas-fired power plants by 2040 and possibly become carbon neutral by 2045.

Leviathan Partners in Israel to Invest $568 Million in Third Gas Pipeline

Partners in the Israeli offshore gas project Leviathan said on Sunday they would invest $568 million to build a third pipeline that will allow increased natural gas production and exports.