Gas Supply

Additional transport capacities are needed to increase natural gas imports to Europe. The existing gas pipelines to Europe will not be able to meet import needs in the coming decades.

Ensuring Europe’s secure gas supplies

In 2025, EU countries will have to import roughly 195 billion cubic meters (bcm) more gas than in 2005.

To fill this gap, exporters and importers are launching a number of new natural gas supply projects:

supplies from Algeria — 31 to 41 bcm
supplies from Norway — 20 bcm
supplies from Libya — 3 bcm
Nabucco Pipeline (supplies from Middle East) with a capacity of 20 to 30 bcm
Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) — 90 to 150 bcm
Nord Stream with a capacity of 55 bcm

This would represent a total capacity of 220 - 300 bcm, but the planning for some of these projects has not yet been finalised. In addition, LNG supplies tend to be transported at higher prices (for example North America).

Nord Stream is vital for meeting the EU’s gas needs

It is evident that without Nord Stream, the EU will not be able to meet its gas needs. Therefore, Nord Stream makes an important contribution to security of supply, as it will meet about a quarter of Europe’s additional import needs.

Gazprom guarantees reliable long-term deliveries

By making a substantial investment in a gas pipeline, Gazprom, the world’s leading natural gas producer, is making a commitment to continuous long-term deliveries. This is beneficial for Europe, as it faces a growing competition from other regions for natural gas.

Chart on European Gas Demand

Information on the development of gas demand in Europe: Chart ›Growing Need for Gas in Europe‹.

Chart on Gas Import Gap

Learn how Stream will help to meet future European gas demand, through our Chart ›Additional Transport Capacities Needed‹.