This book explores in detail the challenges which the European gas markets currently face, and the opportunities they present. Bringing together some of the most prominent gas experts on Europe from both academia and industry, this edited volume provides a comprehensive analysis of the various economic, political and technological factors that interact in this sector. Featuring a Foreword by Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the Energy Union, contributions explore a wide range of issues, such as the role of gas in decarbonizing Europe, the outlook of Europe’s gas demand, supply and pricing, and global LNG dynamics. Country specific studies include Russia, Norway, the Netherlands, and Germany, with regional studies including North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Alongside detailed analysis of this complex sector it also puts forward a set of policy recommendations for the sector’s key stakeholders. This volume will be of interest to researchers and academics, as well as practitioners and professionals within European gas markets.
Moving beyond most conventional thinking about energy security in Europe which revolves around stability of supplies and the reliability of suppliers, this book presents the history of European policy-making regarding energy resources, including recent controversies about shale gas and fracking. Using the United States as a benchmark, the author tests the hypothesis that EU energy security is at risk primarily because of a lack of market integration and cooperation between member states. This lack of integration still prohibits natural gas to flow freely throughout the continent, which makes parts of Europe vulnerable in case of supply disruptions. The book demonstrates that the EU gas market has been developing at different speeds, leaving the Northwest of the continent reasonably well integrated, with sufficient trade and liquidity and different supplies, whereas other parts are less developed. In these parts of Europe there is a structural lack of investments in infrastructure, interconnectors, reverse flow options and storage facilities. Thus, even though substantial progress has been made in parts of the EU, single source dependency often prevails, leaving the relevant member states vulnerable to market power abuse. Detailed comparisons are made of the situations in the Netherlands and Poland, and of energy policy in the USA. The book dismantles some of the existing assumptions about the concept of energy security, and touches upon the level of rhetoric that features in most energy security and policy debates in Europe.
The extraordinary double crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine has given rise to an unprecedented geopolitical dilemma for the EU institutions, especially in the energy sector – that of ensuring the security of energy supply while at the same time upholding committed emission targets. Against this backdrop, this important and timely volume provides guidance on how to address the crucial trade-offs that must be navigated, considering areas of competition policy where the most challenging objectives must be met. The contributing authors, who include prominent practitioners and academics, members of the European Commission, and representatives of national competition authorities, address various issues around the new energy dilemma in relation to such aspects as the following: affordability of energy prices; EU energy infrastructures; solidarity amongst Member States; reform of the electricity market design and competition enforcement; fitness and appropriateness of EU State aid tools; and competition enforcers’ perspectives. The book gathers and revises papers and presentations given at the 2023 Annual Conference of the Global Competition Law Center (GCLC) of the College of Europe. Although other constraints beyond the security of supply and the path towards a green economy do, of course, exist, they do not alter the existence of the trade-offs and rather make them even more problematic and unavoidable. Consequently, all professionals and officials involved in shaping energy policy will greatly appreciate this invaluable book. For practitioners, policymakers and academics working on competition law, the book will provide valuable food for thought and guidance in the years ahead.
This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license. This book examines how China can increase the share of natural gas in its energy system. China’s energy strategy has global ramifications and impact, and central to this strategy is the country’s transition from coal to gas. The book presents the culmination of a two-year collaboration between the Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC) and Shell. With the Chinese government’s strategic aim to increase the share of gas in the energy mix from 5.8% in 2014 to 10% and 15% in 2020 and 2030 respectively, the book outlines how China can achieve its gas targets. Providing both quantifiable metrics and policy measures for the transition, it is a much needed addition to the literature on Chinese energy policy. The research and the resulting recommendations of this study have fed directly into the Chinese government’s 13th Five-Year Plan, and provide unique insights into the Chinese government and policy-making. Due to its global impact, the book is a valuable resource for policy makers in both China and the rest of the world.
New drilling techniques for oil and natural gas are propelling an energy production renaissance in the United States. As the US economy struggles to emerge from the Great Recession, many see the boom as a possible source of economic salvation that could reduce unemployment and revitalize American manufacturing. Until now, however, there has been little objective analysis of the energy boom's economic consequences. In this major study, Trevor Houser and Shashank Mohan fill that gap. They assess the impact of the recent and projected increase in domestic energy production on US GDP, employment growth, manufacturing competitiveness, household expenditures, and international trade balance. Alongside its economic impact, the American energy revolution is raising new environmental and trade policy questions. What are the consequences for the environment and global warming of increased domestic oil and gas production? Should companies be allowed to export the energy they produce or will doing so undermine American manufacturing competitiveness? Houser and Mohan provide independent research and analysis that will help policymakers navigate these issues.
ÔProfessor SakmarÕs book is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of the most dynamic segment of the global energy industry.Õ Ð Jay Copan, Executive Director, LNG 17 ÔProfessor SakmarÕs book provides a well-rounded overview of the global role that natural gas is expected to play in the future and the important role of LNG as a means of transporting gas to where it is needed. Readers will find the book to be a very convenient compendium of relevant global information and an important educational, informational resource.Õ Ð Ronald D. Ripple, Director, Centre for Research in Energy and Minerals Economics, Curtin University, Australia ÔUnderstanding global energy markets Ð what forces shape them and what trends define them Ð is critical for any professional trying to evaluate new energy developments and technological directions. Susan SakmarÕs impressive ability to provide this context in terms of LNG markets makes her book valuable.Õ Ð Warren R. True, Sr., Chief Technology Editor, Oil & Gas Journal ÔWith clear and direct text, supplemented with key maps, charts and graphics from government, industry and other sources, the book moves the reader smoothly through the early history of LNG up to current developments, including shale gas and North American LNG exports. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding global gas markets and the energy policy challenges facing us in the 21st century.Õ Ð Jacqueline L. Weaver, A.A. White Professor of Law, University of Houston Law Center, US Countries around the world are increasingly looking to liquefied natural gas (LNG) Ð natural gas that has been cooled until it forms a transportable liquid Ð to meet growing energy demand. Energy for the 21st Century provides critical insights into the opportunities and challenges LNG faces, including its potential role in a carbon-constrained world. This comprehensive study covers topics such as the LNG value chain, the historical background and evolution of global LNG markets, trading and contracts, and an analysis of the various legal, policy, safety and environmental issues pertaining to this important fuel. Additionally, the author discusses emerging issues and technologies that may impact global LNG markets, such as the development of shale gas, the prospects of North American LNG exports, the potential role of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and floating LNG. The author contextualizes the discussion about the importance of LNG with an analysis of why the 21st century will be the Ôgolden ageÕ of natural gas. Accessible and non-technical in nature, this timely book will serve as an essential reference for practitioners, scholars and anyone else interested in 21st century energy solutions.
With energy demand in Asia and the Pacific forecast to increase by 60 per cent from 2010 to 2035, access to reliable and adequate energy services will remain a focus for decades to come. Countries in the region need to maximize their potential, improve energy access, increase shares of renewable energy, promote energy efficiency and strengthen cooperation on energy security and connectivity. The 2016 Report supports the implementation of the SDG7 and consists of two parts. Part I (Chapter 2) provides an overview of the implementation of areas of action. Part II (Chapters 3, 4, 5 and 6) discusses emerging energy issues in the global market and Asia-Pacific region.
As the United States aggressively expands its exports of liquefied natural gas, it stands poised to become an energy superpower. This unanticipated reality is rewriting the conventional rules of intercontinental gas trade and realigning strategic relations among the United States, the European Union, Russia, China and beyond, as Agnia Grigas shows.
Windfall is the boldest profile of the world’s energy resources since Daniel Yergin’s The Quest, asserting that the new energy abundance—due to oil and gas resources once deemed too expensive—is transforming the geo-political order and is boosting American power. “Riveting and comprehensive...a smart, deeply researched primer on the subject.” —The New York Times Book Review As a new administration focuses on driving American energy production, O’Sullivan’s “refreshing and illuminating” (Foreign Policy) Windfall describes how new energy realities have profoundly affected the world of international relations and security. New technologies led to oversupplied oil markets and an emerging natural gas glut. This did more than drive down prices—it changed the structure of markets and altered the way many countries wield power and influence. America’s new energy prowess has global implications. It transforms politics in Russia, Europe, China, and the Middle East. O’Sullivan considers the landscape, offering insights and presenting consequences for each region’s domestic stability as energy abundance upends traditional partnerships, creating opportunities for cooperation. The advantages of this new abundance are greater than its downside for the US: it strengthens American hard and soft power. This is “a powerful argument for how America should capitalise on the ‘New Energy Abundance’” (The Financial Times) and an explanation of how new energy realities create a strategic environment to America’s advantage.
