Which countries can replace Russian gas?

The EU wants to become independent of Russian gas, while Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin is threatening to close Nord Stream 1. But what countries can satisfy gas needs in Europe?

Germany in particular is involved in this trap: According to the Federal Network Agency, about 55 per cent of the currently imported gas comes from Russia, so dependence is particularly high compared to other European countries, except Hungary, which imports about 85% of gas from Russia. German gas reserves have fallen below 30 percent of the storage capacity. That's why it's also under discussion for increased import of liquid gas ( LNG, Liquefied Natural Gas. But what countries can be considered extra suppliers?

United States

The U.S. is one of the largest natural gas producers and world's largest liquid gas exporters, thanking the francing as well. The method is highly controversial for environmental reasons. The process involves injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals on earth, thus releasing oil or gas. However, the EU is said to already be in negotiations on importing additional gas from the United States. The United States has already increased liquid gas exports to Europe in recent weeks. But Germany would not benefit immediately from this gas, because there is no terminal for LNG.

Norway and the Netherlands

Norway is also one of the largest gas producers in the world, and already supplies about a third of Germany's gas requirements. But increasing amounts of gas from Norway is not possible. “We currently offer at full capacity,” said Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on German television in mid-January. “We don't have backup”, he said. Even the Netherlands, which provides ten percent of Germany's natural gas, cannot increase its exports because it does not have greater capacities.

Qatar

Qatar is one of the biggest exporters of liquid gas. Besides Russia and Iran, it has the largest natural gas reserves in the world. But this country is already producing at its top. First required “significant investments in infrastructure” and long-term contracts with Europeans, Energy Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi said at a meeting with 11 representatives of the Doha gas exporter countries, two days before the Russian intervention in Ukraine. However, Qatar can increase the amount of liquefied natural gas that means LNG in the coming years.

In addition, some gas ships traveling to Asia with cargo have returned and continued on their way to Europe.

Algeria

Algeria is just “” the world's 10th largest gas supplier. But most of the LPG exported from there in 2021 was destined for the European market. This makes Algeria one of the most important LNG suppliers for Europe.

The AFP news agency reported in late February that the country had agreed to send more gas to Europe. The head of the state energy company, Toufik Hakkar, said his company was “ready to extract and send additional gas to the EU through the Transmed pipeline, connecting Algeria with Italy.” But Hakkar acknowledged that this country must have a liquid gas surplus, or natural gas, to carry out that goal. Algeria must first meet contradiction agreements and obligations previously made. Experts assume Algeria can at least be met in the short term.

Nigeria

Nigeria with an authoritarian government is one of the world's largest gas reserves more than it needs for its market. Construction of a 4,000km pipeline from the West African country could mean more independence from Russian gas, at least in the medium term. After completed, the pipeline is expected to carry up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas to Algeria. From there he could head to Europe. So far, political tensions between Algeria and Nigeria, which borders Nigeria and Algeria, have hampered the project.

Nigeria now exports liquid gas to Europe by ship. The biggest buyers are Spain, France and Portugal, which have LNG terminals. According to the German-African Business Association, more than twelve billion cubic metres were imported from Nigeria to Europe in 2019. Germany will now build two LNG terminals to enable direct import. But until the realization of this project, years may pass.

Azerbaijani

Azerbaijan, formerly part of the Soviet Union, plans to increase gas exports by 11 per cent this year, a Energy Ministry official for Asia Times said. The problem is that this Caucasus country is linked to long-term contracts that were signed years ago. While domestic demand has also increased significantly over the past ten years.

Since December 2020, the country has been supplying the European continent through the Trans-Adriatic Gas pipeline (TAP). The nearly 900km-long gas corridor runs from the Turkish-Greek border via Albania to Italy.