Largest proposed LNG import terminals in the EU 2024
The German TES Wilhelmshaven LNG terminal is the largest proposed LNG import terminal in Europe, based on expected annual capacity. While the project was initially shelved in 2020, calls for a reduction in Germany's dependence on Russian gas imports has renewed interest in the project. With a proposed construction date of 2025, the terminal will have a capacity of 20 billion cubic meters per year once completed.
Europe’s energy dependence
Since 2008, dependence on energy imports in the EU stood above 52 percent. Before the outbreak of the war, Russian gas dependence in Europe was highest in countries in Eastern Europe. Europe’s energy import reliance has become particularly concerning following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Russia-Ukraine war expedited the need to seek new gas suppliers and other energy sources.
LNG imports in Europe
Liquefied natural gas offers the opportunity to purchase natural gas even from suppliers not connected to pipeline networks. The United States is the leading supplying country of LNG to the European Union, followed by Qatar and Russia. The North American country increased its LNG export volume to Europe significantly in the last two years.