The LNG industry is experiencing strong growth in its current market- posting an impressive 297.63 bcm in LNG imports during 2010(BP 2011: 29). However, it is still a budding industry because Russia and Iran- owners of the largest gas reserves in the world are still fledgling LNG exporters (Economides and Wood 2009). According to Kumar et al. (2011) LNG is also a clean substitute over petrol and diesel. Moreover the Asian tigers like Japan, China and India are still growing their economies (ExxonMobil 2010: 8). Thus, the Asian tigers’ LNG demand, the eco-nature of LNG, coupled with Russia and Iran’s LNG exports - can create a more robust LNG market in the future. This paper examines the existing and future market of LNG – in the light of major LNG players in each region.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. AN OVERVIEW OF THE LNG MARKET AT THE GLOBAL LEVEL
3. THE LNG MARKET AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL
3.1 THE CURRENT & FUTURE MARKET OF MIDDLE EAST
3.2 THE CURRENT & FUTURE MARKET OF NORTH AMERICA MARKET
3.3 THE CURRENT & FUTURE MARKET OF ASIA PACIFIC’S MARKET
3.4 THE CURRENT & FUTURE MARKET OF EUROPE AND EURASIA
3.5 THE CURRENT & FUTURE MARKET OF AFRICA’S MARKET
4. CONCLUSION
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing and future global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) market, specifically examining the dynamics of major regional players in the context of rising energy demands and environmental considerations.
- The role of LNG as a cleaner, non-toxic substitute for conventional fossil fuels.
- Evaluation of current liquefaction and re-gasification infrastructure trends.
- Analysis of key regional market participants including the Middle East, North America, and Asia Pacific.
- Impact of economic growth and environmental policies on future natural gas consumption patterns.
- Challenges related to infrastructure development and international trade constraints.
Excerpt from the Book
1. INTRODUCTION
The world is now frowning on “dirty” energy. Clearly, this is shown in the way natural gas contends with traditional fuels, from a “clean” and “efficiency” outlook (Economides and Wood 2009: 1). In fact, if the world’s economy keeps growing –fuel pollutants are expected to increase by at least 3% (CO2Now.org 2011). Although there are projections that by 2030, emissions in OECD countries will be lessened drastically (ExxonMobil 2010: 34) - these reductions may not make much difference- on a global scale.
In addition, the world’s clarion call is for an uncontaminated source of energy. This explains why there is a global crave for substitute fuels over conventional fuels like diesel and petrol (Astbury 2008: 397). Thus, natural gas- in the form of liquefied Natural Gas (LNG hereafter) is giving the world what it wants. In fact, LNG is non-toxic, clean and green (Kumar et al. 2011: 4265).
Clearly, the call for clean energy, coupled with other factors such as favourable natural gas prices, growing gas imports, cheaper LNG costs and the crave of gas producers to “cash” their gas assets- has set the ball rolling for a strong global LNG market. (EIA 2003: v). Moreover, there are also tons of untapped natural gas resources (Economides and Wood 2009: 1) just waiting to be liquefied. The rest of this paper will be structured follows; section 2 is an overview of the LNG market at the global level, section 3 reviews the LNG market at the regional level, section 4 concludes.
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the global shift toward cleaner energy sources and positions Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a critical, environmentally friendly substitute for conventional fuels.
2. AN OVERVIEW OF THE LNG MARKET AT THE GLOBAL LEVEL: Discusses the current state of global liquefaction and re-gasification projects, forecasting a significant expansion of facilities by 2030.
3. THE LNG MARKET AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL: Analyzes the specific export/import dynamics, challenges, and future potential of the Middle East, North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Africa.
4. CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the findings, asserting that the future of the LNG market will be primarily driven by the rising energy demands and production capacities of Asia and the Middle East.
Keywords
Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Clean Energy, Natural Gas Reserves, Global Energy Market, Liquefaction, Re-gasification, Energy Consumption, Environmental Policy, Fuel Substitutes, Fossil Fuels, Regional Market Analysis, Infrastructure Development, Gas Exports, Energy Demand
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
This paper investigates the current state and future prospects of the global LNG market, evaluating how regional supply and demand drivers influence the broader energy landscape.
Why is LNG considered a significant energy source today?
LNG is highlighted as a non-toxic, cleaner, and more efficient substitute for traditional fuels like petrol and diesel, helping to meet the global demand for environmentally conscious energy sources.
What is the core objective of the study?
The primary goal is to examine how major regional players contribute to the global LNG market and how their respective capacities and consumption patterns shape future market trends.
What methodology does the author employ?
The author utilizes a comprehensive literature review and data analysis approach, drawing upon industry reports, statistical reviews from BP and the EIA, and academic journals to synthesize market trends.
How is the main body of the work structured?
The analysis is structured into a global market overview, followed by a detailed regional review of major players (Middle East, North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Africa), and concludes with summary findings.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is best characterized by terms such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), energy transition, market dynamics, gas reserves, and international energy infrastructure.
What is the significance of the Asian market in this context?
The Asian market, particularly China, Japan, and India, is identified as a critical driver of global LNG demand due to rapid economic growth and the need for reliable electricity generation.
Why does the author focus on Qatar and Iran in the Middle East section?
These countries are highlighted due to their massive gas reserves and significant potential impact on the global LNG supply chain, despite existing technical and political constraints.
What role do North American countries play in the LNG market?
North America is examined primarily as a significant importer with growing domestic infrastructure needs and potential for future supply contributions via shale gas and receiving terminals.
- Citar trabajo
- Nana Yaw Addo-Korie (Autor), 2011, LNG - A Review of Current and Future Markets, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/187167
