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Natural gas in Europe - statistics & facts

Natural gas is the second-most important source of primary energy in Europe following crude oil. Many European countries heavily utilize natural gas to generate electricity and heat, as well as aiding industrial manufacturing processes. However, the continent’s resources are limited, and demand has been predominantly met through pipeline trading with neighboring countries such as Russia and Algeria. The implications of Europe’s reliance on natural gas became especially apparent in the 2021/22 energy crisis.

The role of natural gas in Europe’s energy supply chain

Natural gas accounts for roughly 40 percent of gross heat generation in the European Union and more than 20 percent of final energy consumption. Some of the countries with the highest gas power generation share include Belarus and Malta, which derive electricity almost exclusively from natural gas. Meanwhile, in Italy and the Netherlands, it makes up nearly 50 percent of total electricity generation. Since 2000, gas power capacity in Europe has doubled not only because of greater energy demand, but also as a result of the phasing-out of coal, which is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel. Today, natural gas has become the main source of EU power production after nuclear plants.

Natural gas supply amid the energy crisis

Russia plays a critical role in satisfying Europe’s natural gas demand, especially for parts of the continent where pipeline networks have made trading more convenient. The Baltic Sea-crossing Nord Stream pipeline and Ukraine transit network are the main trading routes used. However, the Russia-Ukraine war has put Russian gas supplies into question, with erratic development in weekly gas imports a reflection of political pressure. Following sabotage, the Nord Stream pipeline has since become unusable. The TurkStream pipeline across the Black Sea was the only supply route between Russia and continental Europe which had seen shipments stay comparatively steady since the start of the war. Countries in Eastern Europe are the most susceptible to a Russian gas supply cut, with GDP output losses of up to 6.5 percent expected in a worst-case scenario. To keep repercussions to a minimum, the EU has introduced a set of policies such as the RePowerEU plan, which is aimed at speedily reducing Russian gas dependence through the promotion of LNG infrastructure in the mid-term and renewable buildup in the long-term.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Feb 28, 2024

Key insights

Natural gas production in the EU
41.1bn m³
EU natural gas imports from Russia
154.03bn m³
Gas power production in Europe
1,207.5 TWh
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