Demand for LNG Services continues to grow database shows

October 27, 2021

Wednesday, 27^th October 2021

The annual update of GLE List of services and New LNG Services Inventory shows that demand for LNG services is growing. And in the current energy context, that’s understandable considering the multiple benefits that LNG and its infrastructure bring for decarbonisation and Security of Supply.

A growing demand for LNG services

Despite the economic impact of the COVID crisis, the growth rate for small scale LNG (SSLNG) activities from large scale terminals continued:

• LNG Truck loadings have increased on average by about 12% per year over the last 4 years, to reach almost 80 000 operations in 2020
• LNG small-scale ship loadings are picking up speed with 150 operations in 2020, which is almost 50% than the year before

And that is without mentioning the operations from small scale LNG or bio-LNG facilities in Europe.

A large offer of services

The data showcase that the LNG large scale terminals in Europe offer a large panel of services. This goes beyond basic services of regasification and covers both large scale and small scale. The use of Small Scale services continues to grow, as a viable solution for decarbonizing road and maritime transport and for supplying energy to remote areas.

LNG & its infrastructure: multiple benefits

A reliable ally of the transition
It represents a good alternative to substitute fuel oil and diesel in freight transport and shipping. It can additionally supply off-grid industrial sites and communities.

A lower carbon footprint
LNG is more environmentally friendly than fuel oil and diesel. It has a lower carbon footprint. Replacing fuel oil and diesel in freight transport and shipping with LNG enables to:

• up to 25% less CO2;
• up to 90% less nitrogen oxide (NOx);
• negligible quantity of sulphur and fine particulates.
• See more.

Improve air quality and health
Switching to LNG urban areas and ports brings an immediate benefit on air quality and therefore on health, ensuring a smooth transition toward the future green energy mix.

No stranded asset or locking effect
The LNG infrastructure is perfectly fit to accommodate green gases like bio-LNG and future e-methane (synLNG). Read our joint report and discover our infographic.

Close up on GIE’s transparency activities

Transparency tools are crucial to enable energy actors to monitor the evolution of the market. It supports decision-makers in their work by bringing some clarity on the reality on the ground. For many years, GIE works and innovated to offer the most reliable and efficient tools to monitor the European energy market. Together with ALSI and AGSI Transparency Platforms, Transparency template, LNG, Small Scale, Biomethane and Storage Maps and associated databases, we count also the GLE Services Inventory and List of Service.

What is the GLE List of services?
This list provides a good overview of services offered by the LNG European terminals. It showcases all services, terminal per terminal, from basic services to the most recent ones that were developed in response to the market dynamic.

What is GLE New LNG Services Inventory?
This inventory provides terminal per terminal, quantitative, actual and historical operational data. On top of those useful pieces of information, it displays technical characteristics on large scale services (Reloading, Transshipment) and small-scale services (Reloading, Small-scale ship loading, Truck loading, Rail loading).

Their purpose:
The data are particularly meant to be used for market analyses. It enables to monitor:

1. The evolution of the market demands,
2. The diversity and technological options of the LNG usage,
3. And the continuously enlarging spectrum of LNG utilization.

Learn more:

Have you seen our maps?
ALSI – LNG Transparency Platform

Note to editors

Who is GIE?

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) is the association representing the interests of European gas infrastructure operators active in gas transmission, gas storage and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) regasification. GIE is a trusted partner of European institutions, regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders. It is based in Brussels, the heart of European policymaking. GIE currently represents 70 member companies from 26 countries. GIE’s vision is that by 2050, the gas infrastructure will be the backbone of the new innovative energy system, allowing European citizens to benefit from a secure, efficient and sustainable energy supply.