OSLO (FFN) – Norway’s gas exports to Europe via pipelines could approach a historic record set in 2017, with exports having increased by 10% since the beginning of this year following a decline in 2023. This information comes from Reuters, citing the company Gassco, which operates Norway’s pipeline network.
“Exports are returning to 2022 levels, when they were last close to an all-time high,” said Frode Leversund, CEO of Gassco. In 2022, Norway overtook Russia to become Europe’s largest gas supplier as Moscow restricted supplies due to the war in Ukraine, prompting European countries to seek alternative sources.
In the seven months leading up to the end of July 2024, Norway exported 70.2 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas to Europe via pipelines, compared to 64 bcm during the same period last year, according to Leversund. He attributed the increase to strong demand from European customers, fewer maintenance disruptions, and the modernization of the Kollsnes processing plant.
| Year | Gas Exported (bcm) |
|---|---|
| 2023 (Jan-Jul) | 64.0 |
| 2024 (Jan-Jul) | 70.2 |
In 2023, Gassco delivered 109.1 bcm of gas through its 8,800-kilometer pipeline network to Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Denmark, a 6.7% decrease from the previous year. If exports continue to grow by 10% throughout 2024, they could surpass the record 117.4 bcm set in 2017, Leversund concluded.
| Year | Total Annual Exports (bcm) |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 117.4 |
| 2023 | 109.1 |
| 2024 (est.) | 120.0+ |
Approximately 95% of Norway’s gas exports are transported via pipelines, with the remaining 5% delivered as liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Key Words: Norway, gas exports, Europe, Gassco, pipeline network, Kollsnes processing plant, Frode Leversund, LNG.
