Eesti Gaas has made agreements with LNG terminals to bring a total of ten LNG cargos by the fall of this year – three deliveries to the port of Klaipeda in Lithuania in the winter and seven to the port of Inkoo in Finland in the spring and summer.
“Our gas now comes from the west and by tankers, cooperation with both large LNG terminals in the Finnish-Baltic region and the gas storage in Latvia gives us stability. Our ten LNG cargos will bring security of supply to customers and, hopefully, together with the gas also comes price stability,” said Margus Kaasik, CEO of Eesti Gaas.
“In the big picture, natural gas is making a comeback. The use of natural gas is increasing again since the security of supply in Europe is good and the price is in a downward trend. Gas price has returned to pre-war price levels, and gas is once again cheaper than, for example, light heating oil or propane. Several customers on our different markets, who used alternative fuels in the meantime, are already returning to natural gas today,” Kaasik said.
Last year, Eesti Gaas procured five shiploads of LNG for its customers through the port of Klaipeda. The LNG tanker Aristidis I from the United States arrived at the Lithuanian Klaipeda terminal in May, Diamond Gas Crystal from the United States and Arctic Princess from Norway in June, Isabella from the United States in October, and Arctic Aurora from Norway in November.
In January, Equinor’s LNG tanker Isabella delivered this year’s first cargo from the United States to the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda. In March, Eesti Gaas will bring two more cargos to Klaipeda and in the spring and summer seven more to Inkoo.
Eesti Gaas offers customers natural gas in the form of pipeline gas, compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The company is actively developing a renewable energy portfolio in the form of solar energy and biomethane production and sales.
Eesti Gaas operates in Finland, the Baltic states and Poland. The group has a total of 50,000 customers. Since 2016, when the company was acquired by Infortar, one of the largest investment companies in Estonia, Eesti Gaas has grown into the largest private energy company in the Finland-Baltic region with more than 70 percent of the company’s sales coming from export markets. Outside Estonia the company carries Elenger brand name.
Saturday 18 February 2023
French authorities approve the project for a floating LNG terminal in Le Havre
French public authorities have approved the proposal to install a new LNG import point on the French coastline in the port of Le Havre by means of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU).
This floating regasification terminal is an ideal solution given its implementation timeframe and the extra capacity it offers. Forty-five FSRUs have already been commissioned worldwide.
Under the dramatic circumstances linked to the war in Ukraine and its impact on the French and European gas supply, an FSRU vessel will allow France to increase its import capacities by 45 TWh per year.
To achieve this, TotalEnergies will deploy the Cape Anne – one of its two FSRU vessels – which will allow for the injection of the equivalent of around 60% of Russian gas imported by France in 2021, i.e. around 10% of France’s annual consumption in the GRTgaz network.
The port of Le Havre was selected as it has the best features to ensure the project’s success: correctly-sized infrastructures; space to accommodate the FSRU and the LNG terminals that will supply it; recognised operational expertise; and a location near to France’s gas transmission network, allowing for a quick connection to the network terminal. The FSRU will be moored at the Bougainville Sud dock as part of the current Haropa - Port of Le Havre ro-ro terminal. The site was chosen from among three possible installations identified following the project’s environmental, societal and technological risk impact assessment.
Consultations between the partners (TotalEnergies, Haropa Port) and the French public authorities (the Seine-Maritime Préfecture, the Regional Directorate for Environment, Planning and Housing (DREAL), the intracommunal body Le Havre Seine Métropole) for this unique project were rigorously carried out, despite the tight deadline linked to the urgent nature of the situation. Consultations are likewise planned with municipalities or intercommunal bodies (EPCI) either crossed by or located near to the future transport facility.
Given the urgent nature of the situation, rigorous consultations between the partners (TotalEnergies, Haropa Port) and the French public authorities (the Seine-Maritime Préfecture, DREAL, the intracommunal body Le Havre Seine Métropole) for this unique project took place under a tight deadline.
TotalEnergies will install and operate the FSRU. It will be constructed by GRTgaz, which will also operate the pipeline connecting it to the gas transmission network.
This project is a chance for the port of Le Havre to resume an operation that it pioneered in hosting Continental Europe's first LNG terminal in 1965. The terminal continued to receive LNG shipments for another 25 years until 1989.
GRTgaz's current network is already sufficiently large to accommodate the FSRU. Works to connect the unit to the French network will involve installing a 3.5 km pipeline underneath the Le Havre canal. This will be done using a micro-tunnel boring machine over a distance of 650 metres and at a depth of six metres beneath the shipping channel floor.
To identify any risks of a gas leak, an interface installed near to the FSRU will include the necessary safety mechanisms and a gas reheating and odorization unit.
The pipeline route was drawn up based on the conclusions of an environmental analysis. The aim is to minimize its impact, and in particular to avoid any at-risk natural areas. The pipeline will hence be mostly laid in sealed areas or areas bordering transit routes. It will be buried at a minimum depth of one metre, and the ground will be restored to its original condition at the end of the project, in line with the regulations in force.
Provided that the necessary administrative authorisations are obtained, initial construction work for the connection pipeline are set to begin in autumn 2022, for completion in summer 2023. The Cape Anne is currently operating in China. Its arrival on site in expected in June 2023, with commissioning planned from September 2023.
Continuing study to expand LNG capacity at Eemshaven and Maasvlakte; additional Terneuzen terminal not feasible
Gasunie continues to work on options to increase LNG imports into the Netherlands. Options to further expand existing capacity at Eemshaven and at Gate terminal are being further explored. The recently announced feasibility study has shown that a new floating LNG terminal in the port of Terneuzen is not feasible in the short term. In this study, Gasunie is working closely with Vopak.
The aim of realising temporary LNG import capacity in Terneuzen in the short term and for a limited period proved to be technically and commercially unfeasible. It is therefore unwise to embark on the construction of a temporary additional terminal. Gasunie thanks its project partners and stakeholders in Zeeland for the good cooperation in the study phase.
LNG import capacity
The exploration of a new floating lng terminal is part of a broader package of proposed measures to increase LNG import capacity in the Netherlands. This is necessary to cope with the loss of Russian natural gas and reduce scarcity in the European gas market.
New initiatives
Gasunie continues to explore new opportunities for temporary import capacity. For example, work is now continuing on initiatives to further expand the existing capacity of the LNG terminals in the Netherlands - Maasvlakte (Gate terminal) and in Eemshaven (EemsEnergyTerminal). At Gate terminal, this involves a possible fourth tank with a capacity of 4 billion cubic metres of natural gas and at Eemshaven, a technical optimisation of the existing plant is being investigated. The ambition of EemsEnergyTerminal is to be able to handle 9 billion cubic metres of natural gas before the end of this year, and then to grow to 10 billion cubic metres of natural gas.
Energy transition
The investments in Eemshaven and at Gate terminal are suitable for the transition to green hydrogen. Besides expanding its LNG import capacity, Gasunie continues to work on accelerating the energy transition. For example, through the construction of a national hydrogen network. We also remain committed to green gas, heat with heat networks and CO2 capture and storage.
The aim of realising temporary LNG import capacity in Terneuzen in the short term and for a limited period proved to be technically and commercially unfeasible. It is therefore unwise to embark on the construction of a temporary additional terminal. Gasunie thanks its project partners and stakeholders in Zeeland for the good cooperation in the study phase.
LNG import capacity
The exploration of a new floating lng terminal is part of a broader package of proposed measures to increase LNG import capacity in the Netherlands. This is necessary to cope with the loss of Russian natural gas and reduce scarcity in the European gas market.
New initiatives
Gasunie continues to explore new opportunities for temporary import capacity. For example, work is now continuing on initiatives to further expand the existing capacity of the LNG terminals in the Netherlands - Maasvlakte (Gate terminal) and in Eemshaven (EemsEnergyTerminal). At Gate terminal, this involves a possible fourth tank with a capacity of 4 billion cubic metres of natural gas and at Eemshaven, a technical optimisation of the existing plant is being investigated. The ambition of EemsEnergyTerminal is to be able to handle 9 billion cubic metres of natural gas before the end of this year, and then to grow to 10 billion cubic metres of natural gas.
Energy transition
The investments in Eemshaven and at Gate terminal are suitable for the transition to green hydrogen. Besides expanding its LNG import capacity, Gasunie continues to work on accelerating the energy transition. For example, through the construction of a national hydrogen network. We also remain committed to green gas, heat with heat networks and CO2 capture and storage.
Wednesday 15 February 2023
First Middle East LNG Cargo to Germany Successfully Delivered by ADNOC
ADNOC and RWE Aktiengesellschaft (RWE) announced today the successful delivery of the first shipment of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the Elbehafen floating LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel, Germany.
Produced by ADNOC Gas at Das Island, Abu Dhabi, the shipment of 137,000 cubic meters of LNG is the commissioning cargo for the new floating LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel and the first-ever LNG cargo to be shipped to Germany from the Middle East. This landmark cargo follows the inaugural ammonia shipment in October 2022, and furthers cooperation on energy security, decarbonization and lower-carbon fuels between the UAE and Germany.
To mark the successful arrival of the LNG cargo, a ceremonial event was held earlier today in Brunsbüttel, which was attended by His Excellency Ahmed Alattar, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany; Dr. Alexander Lücke, Deputy Director General for Energy Security, German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action; His Excellency Joschka Knuth, State Secretary in the Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of Energy Transition, Climate Protection, Environment and Nature; Ahmed Alebri, Acting Chief Executive Officer, ADNOC Gas; and Andree Stracke, Chief Executive Officer, RWE Supply & Trading.
Speaking at the event, Ahmed Alebri, Acting CEO of ADNOC Gas said: “The successful delivery of the Middle East’s first LNG cargo to Germany demonstrates how the UAE is continuing to work closely with our strategic partners in responsibly providing secure, sustainable and affordable energy supplies. The global demand for energy is increasing and as we build on the strong economic, energy security and climate action ties between our two nations, ADNOC Gas stands ready to provide further shipments of this key transition fuel to our partner, RWE and German industry.”
The cargo delivery marks an important milestone in developing Germany’s domestic LNG supply infrastructure, supporting the country’s energy security with natural gas. The cargo is sufficient to produce approximately 900 million kilowatt hours of electricity, enough to supply approximately a quarter million German homes for a year.
Andree Stracke, Chief Executive Officer, RWE Supply & Trading, said: "After the arrival of the floating terminal in mid-January, the first LNG delivery from the Middle East is the next important step. The development of the LNG supply infrastructure in Germany continues to make rapid progress. RWE is providing support wherever we are needed. I am pleased that we have ADNOC as a strong partner at our side and that we are working together to make Germany's energy supply as secure as possible."
Commenting on the cargo arrival, Stefan Wenzel, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, said: “Now, more than ever we need to push for a global energy transition, including the diversification of natural gas resources. In the short term, and for the time being, we need more liquified natural gas to arrive at German terminals like here in Brunsbüttel. Going forward, we must accelerate the switch from conventional natural gas to green hydrogen and derivates such as ammonia – which has the best chance of success at the European and international level. Internationally, the UAE is a very important partner for Germany, both for liquified natural gas cargos and hydrogen projects.”
The UAE-Germany Energy Security and Industry Accelerator (ESIA) Agreement was signed in September 2022 to accelerate projects of joint interest between the two countries in energy security, decarbonization and climate action. As part of the agreement, ADNOC entered into an LNG supply agreement with RWE, with further cargos reserved exclusively for German customers in 2023.
ADNOC also entered into a number of agreements with German customers, including Steag GmbH (Steag) and Aurubis AG (Aurubis) for demonstration cargos of low-carbon ammonia, a carrier fuel for hydrogen that can play a critical role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate industry sectors.
Produced by ADNOC Gas at Das Island, Abu Dhabi, the shipment of 137,000 cubic meters of LNG is the commissioning cargo for the new floating LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel and the first-ever LNG cargo to be shipped to Germany from the Middle East. This landmark cargo follows the inaugural ammonia shipment in October 2022, and furthers cooperation on energy security, decarbonization and lower-carbon fuels between the UAE and Germany.
To mark the successful arrival of the LNG cargo, a ceremonial event was held earlier today in Brunsbüttel, which was attended by His Excellency Ahmed Alattar, UAE Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany; Dr. Alexander Lücke, Deputy Director General for Energy Security, German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action; His Excellency Joschka Knuth, State Secretary in the Schleswig-Holstein Ministry of Energy Transition, Climate Protection, Environment and Nature; Ahmed Alebri, Acting Chief Executive Officer, ADNOC Gas; and Andree Stracke, Chief Executive Officer, RWE Supply & Trading.
Speaking at the event, Ahmed Alebri, Acting CEO of ADNOC Gas said: “The successful delivery of the Middle East’s first LNG cargo to Germany demonstrates how the UAE is continuing to work closely with our strategic partners in responsibly providing secure, sustainable and affordable energy supplies. The global demand for energy is increasing and as we build on the strong economic, energy security and climate action ties between our two nations, ADNOC Gas stands ready to provide further shipments of this key transition fuel to our partner, RWE and German industry.”
The cargo delivery marks an important milestone in developing Germany’s domestic LNG supply infrastructure, supporting the country’s energy security with natural gas. The cargo is sufficient to produce approximately 900 million kilowatt hours of electricity, enough to supply approximately a quarter million German homes for a year.
Andree Stracke, Chief Executive Officer, RWE Supply & Trading, said: "After the arrival of the floating terminal in mid-January, the first LNG delivery from the Middle East is the next important step. The development of the LNG supply infrastructure in Germany continues to make rapid progress. RWE is providing support wherever we are needed. I am pleased that we have ADNOC as a strong partner at our side and that we are working together to make Germany's energy supply as secure as possible."
Commenting on the cargo arrival, Stefan Wenzel, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, said: “Now, more than ever we need to push for a global energy transition, including the diversification of natural gas resources. In the short term, and for the time being, we need more liquified natural gas to arrive at German terminals like here in Brunsbüttel. Going forward, we must accelerate the switch from conventional natural gas to green hydrogen and derivates such as ammonia – which has the best chance of success at the European and international level. Internationally, the UAE is a very important partner for Germany, both for liquified natural gas cargos and hydrogen projects.”
The UAE-Germany Energy Security and Industry Accelerator (ESIA) Agreement was signed in September 2022 to accelerate projects of joint interest between the two countries in energy security, decarbonization and climate action. As part of the agreement, ADNOC entered into an LNG supply agreement with RWE, with further cargos reserved exclusively for German customers in 2023.
ADNOC also entered into a number of agreements with German customers, including Steag GmbH (Steag) and Aurubis AG (Aurubis) for demonstration cargos of low-carbon ammonia, a carrier fuel for hydrogen that can play a critical role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate industry sectors.
Friday 10 February 2023
Second phase of Market test for Corinth FSRU
The second phase of the market test for Dioriga Gas, concerning the reservation of capacity at the floating LNG terminal, was successfully completed.
The project, of significant and strategic importance, will be located in the area of Ag. Theodoroi and is being developed by DIORIGA GAS, a 100% subsidiary of MOTOR OIL HELLAS.
Commitments reached up to 25 years from the estimated COD (Commercial Operation Date) of Dioriga Gas reaching up to 2 billion cubic meters per year. It is worth noting that the participation of major international and Greek natural gas companies strengthens the project and ensures its long-term operations & sustainability. The gas is estimated to be supplied both to the Greek market (new CCGT units) and to the markets of South East Europe (Bulgaria, Romania, Italy to Hungary and Ukraine). Moreover, the FSRU is designed to be H2 ready.
This is a strategic project of national and international importance, as it will constitute a new import gateway serving gas consumers throughout Greece and neighboring countries, with significant benefits. These include security of supply to the Greek and European markets, reduction of dependence on pipeline gas and supply diversification providing access to more LNG sourced all over the globe. It is also noted that the project has been included in the Strategic Investments regime of the Interministerial Committee at a Fast Track pace, thus actively recognizing it as a strategic investment that enhances the transformation of the country into an energy hub of the Eastern Mediterranean and Eastern Europe.
The terminal will have LNG truck loading & LNG break bulking capabilities (not subject of the current market test)
It is noted that the market test process was conducted under the supervision of the Greek Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE) and in line with the “Guidelines for the management and the allocation of capacity on the Dioriga Independent Natural Gas System (Dioriga LNG Terminal) according to paragraph 6 Article 36 of Directive 2009/73/EC
The project, of significant and strategic importance, will be located in the area of Ag. Theodoroi and is being developed by DIORIGA GAS, a 100% subsidiary of MOTOR OIL HELLAS.
Commitments reached up to 25 years from the estimated COD (Commercial Operation Date) of Dioriga Gas reaching up to 2 billion cubic meters per year. It is worth noting that the participation of major international and Greek natural gas companies strengthens the project and ensures its long-term operations & sustainability. The gas is estimated to be supplied both to the Greek market (new CCGT units) and to the markets of South East Europe (Bulgaria, Romania, Italy to Hungary and Ukraine). Moreover, the FSRU is designed to be H2 ready.
This is a strategic project of national and international importance, as it will constitute a new import gateway serving gas consumers throughout Greece and neighboring countries, with significant benefits. These include security of supply to the Greek and European markets, reduction of dependence on pipeline gas and supply diversification providing access to more LNG sourced all over the globe. It is also noted that the project has been included in the Strategic Investments regime of the Interministerial Committee at a Fast Track pace, thus actively recognizing it as a strategic investment that enhances the transformation of the country into an energy hub of the Eastern Mediterranean and Eastern Europe.
The terminal will have LNG truck loading & LNG break bulking capabilities (not subject of the current market test)
It is noted that the market test process was conducted under the supervision of the Greek Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE) and in line with the “Guidelines for the management and the allocation of capacity on the Dioriga Independent Natural Gas System (Dioriga LNG Terminal) according to paragraph 6 Article 36 of Directive 2009/73/EC
Thursday 9 February 2023
Mexico Pacific and ExxonMobil Execution of Long-Term LNG Sales and Purchase Agreements
Mexico Pacific announced today the execution of two long-term Sales and Purchase Agreements (“SPAs”) with ExxonMobil LNG Asia Pacific (“EMLAP”) for the sale of a combined 2 million tonnes per annum (“MTPA”) of liquefied natural gas (“LNG”).
Under the SPAs, the ExxonMobil affiliate will purchase LNG on a free-on-board basis from the first two trains of Mexico Pacific’s anchor LNG export facility, Saguaro Energia LNG, located in Puerto Libertad, Sonora, Mexico over a 20-year term. ExxonMobil also has an option for 1 MTPA from Train 3.
“We are pleased to announce these long-term SPAs with ExxonMobil”, said Ivan Van der Walt, Chief Executive Officer of Mexico Pacific. “We have reached a critical point on contract volumes required for FID on our first two trains and will now shift focus to close contracting on the significant commercial momentum in place for a subsequent Train 3 FID. With natural gas playing a critical role in the quest for global energy security and the energy transition, we remain committed to supplying vital energy for decades. As we position for FID on the first two trains, we will also commence advanced engineering with Bechtel.”
“LNG has an important role to play in helping society reduce emissions by enabling the delivery of lower carbon energy,” said Peter Clarke, Senior Vice President of LNG for the ExxonMobil Upstream Company. “We look forward to working with Mexico Pacific to continue growing ExxonMobil’s LNG portfolio and deliver Permian natural gas to global markets.”
“Mexico Pacific is a strategic asset in our energy transition infrastructure portfolio”, said Wil VanLoh, Founder and CEO of Quantum Energy Partners, the controlling stakeholder of Mexico Pacific. “Mexico Pacific’s unparalleled project fundamentals and highly experienced leadership team have established it as a premier LNG solution for customers and Permian producers to provide reliable and cost-effective LNG to support the energy transition.”
About Mexico Pacific
Mexico Pacific’s anchor project, the Saguaro Energia LNG Facility, is a 3 train, 14.1 mtpa West Coast North American LNG export facility located in Puerto Libertad, Sonora, Mexico. The Saguaro Energia LNG Facility achieves significant cost and logistical advantages, including the lowest landed price of North American LNG into Asia, leveraging low-cost natural gas sourced from the nearby Permian Basin, and providing a significantly shorter shipping route that avoids Panama Canal transit for Asian markets. More information can be found at http://www.mexicopacific.com.
About Quantum Energy Partners
Founded in 1998, Quantum Energy Partners is a leading provider of private equity, credit, and venture capital to the global energy and energy transition industry, having managed together with its affiliates more than $19 billion in equity commitments since inception. For more information on Quantum, please visit http://www.quantumep.com.
Under the SPAs, the ExxonMobil affiliate will purchase LNG on a free-on-board basis from the first two trains of Mexico Pacific’s anchor LNG export facility, Saguaro Energia LNG, located in Puerto Libertad, Sonora, Mexico over a 20-year term. ExxonMobil also has an option for 1 MTPA from Train 3.
“We are pleased to announce these long-term SPAs with ExxonMobil”, said Ivan Van der Walt, Chief Executive Officer of Mexico Pacific. “We have reached a critical point on contract volumes required for FID on our first two trains and will now shift focus to close contracting on the significant commercial momentum in place for a subsequent Train 3 FID. With natural gas playing a critical role in the quest for global energy security and the energy transition, we remain committed to supplying vital energy for decades. As we position for FID on the first two trains, we will also commence advanced engineering with Bechtel.”
“LNG has an important role to play in helping society reduce emissions by enabling the delivery of lower carbon energy,” said Peter Clarke, Senior Vice President of LNG for the ExxonMobil Upstream Company. “We look forward to working with Mexico Pacific to continue growing ExxonMobil’s LNG portfolio and deliver Permian natural gas to global markets.”
“Mexico Pacific is a strategic asset in our energy transition infrastructure portfolio”, said Wil VanLoh, Founder and CEO of Quantum Energy Partners, the controlling stakeholder of Mexico Pacific. “Mexico Pacific’s unparalleled project fundamentals and highly experienced leadership team have established it as a premier LNG solution for customers and Permian producers to provide reliable and cost-effective LNG to support the energy transition.”
About Mexico Pacific
Mexico Pacific’s anchor project, the Saguaro Energia LNG Facility, is a 3 train, 14.1 mtpa West Coast North American LNG export facility located in Puerto Libertad, Sonora, Mexico. The Saguaro Energia LNG Facility achieves significant cost and logistical advantages, including the lowest landed price of North American LNG into Asia, leveraging low-cost natural gas sourced from the nearby Permian Basin, and providing a significantly shorter shipping route that avoids Panama Canal transit for Asian markets. More information can be found at http://www.mexicopacific.com.
About Quantum Energy Partners
Founded in 1998, Quantum Energy Partners is a leading provider of private equity, credit, and venture capital to the global energy and energy transition industry, having managed together with its affiliates more than $19 billion in equity commitments since inception. For more information on Quantum, please visit http://www.quantumep.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)