Europe Gas Tracker Report 2023

The report details a surge in EU gas infrastructure projects, including 30 fast-tracked LNG terminals and extensive pipeline networks, driven by the 'gas panic' after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It warns that the proposed 227.2 bcm/y of additional LNG capacity would increase the EU's maximum import capacity by 136%, potentially costing €53.5 billion and emitting up to 950 million tons of CO2 annually. The document argues that these uncoordinated efforts, led by countries like Germany, Greece, and Italy, conflict with the EU's 'Fit for 55' climate goals and the European Climate Law. Additionally, it critiques the 'European Hydrogen Backbone' initiative, stating that repurposing methane pipelines for hydrogen is technically risky and economically unjustified, further entrenching fossil fuel use.

• The EU has responded to the gas crisis by proposing, reviving, or fast-tracking 30 LNG terminal projects. Between January 2022 and February 2023, 35.2 billion cubic meters per year (bcm/y) of gas import capacity was commissioned across eight LNG terminal projects, with an additional 11.1 bcm/y added via transmission pipelines.
• The total proposed LNG import buildout of 227.2 bcm/y would increase the EU's maximum import capacity by 136%. Combined with a proposed 60.5 bcm/y of pipeline import capacity, the total estimated capital expenditure for these projects is €53.5 billion, with €4.2 billion already associated with projects under construction.
• The expansion is led by a small number of countries, specifically Germany, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands. Germany is identified as the most fervent, having commissioned 20 bcm/y at Lubmin, Brunsbüttel, and Wilhelmshaven, with a total of 70.3 bcm/y additional capacity planned by 2026.
• The proposed infrastructure buildout threatens the EU's climate goals, including the 'Fit for 55' target to reduce net GHG emissions by 55% by 2030. If the 227.2 bcm/y of LNG capacity is realized, potential emissions could reach nearly 950 million tons of CO2 per year; adding the 60.5 bcm/y pipeline capacity would add another 89.8 million tons of CO2 annually.
• The EU's hydrogen strategy, including the European Hydrogen Backbone, is criticized for relying on the repurposing of existing methane pipelines. Over 90% of these proposals are expected to initially carry a blend of methane and hydrogen, involving 13,800 km of repurposed pipelines and 3,500 km of new pipelines.
• The report argues that repurposing gas pipelines for hydrogen is technically flawed and costly due to the differences between methane and hydrogen gas. It claims that promoting this scale of infrastructure will further entrench the EU in fossil fuels and likely result in stranded assets.

APA

Langenbrunner, B., Aitken, G., Rozansky, R., & Hassan, H. (2023). Europe Gas Tracker Report 2023. Global Energy Monitor. https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/migration/reports/GEM-Europe-Gas-Tracker-Report-2023_11.pdf

Chicago

Langenbrunner, Baird, Greig Aitken, Robert Rozansky, and Harvey Hassan. Europe Gas Tracker Report 2023. Global Energy Monitor, 2023. https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/migration/reports/GEM-Europe-Gas-Tracker-Report-2023_11.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Langenbrunner |first1=Baird |last2=Aitken |first2=Greig |last3=Rozansky |first3=Robert |last4=Hassan |first4=Harvey |title=Europe Gas Tracker Report 2023 |publisher=Global Energy Monitor |date=March 2023 |url=https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/migration/reports/GEM-Europe-Gas-Tracker-Report-2023_11.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{langenbrunner2023europe, author = {Langenbrunner, Baird and Aitken, Greig and Rozansky, Robert and Hassan, Harvey}, title = {{Europe Gas Tracker Report 2023}}, institution = {Global Energy Monitor}, year = {2023}, month = mar, url = {https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/migration/reports/GEM-Europe-Gas-Tracker-Report-2023_11.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }