Hungary and EU Diversifying Gas Supplies

Imports of LNG and pipelines.

In January 2022, an unprecedented LNG delivery to the EU assured gas supply security for this winter. On a yearly basis, the EU could import an additional 50 billion cubic meters of LNG (for example, from Qatar, the United States, Egypt, and West Africa). Diversification of pipe supplies (for example, Azerbaijan, Algeria, and Norway) might save another 10 billion cubic meters of Russian gas each year. The EU strengthens its foreign partnerships while diversifying supplies. The Commission will continue to examine medium-term market trends within the G7 and with major global gas purchasers (Japan, South Korea, China, and India).

Biomethane output in the EU should be increased.

By 2030, doubling the Fit for 55 biomethane goal would result in annual production of 35 billion cubic metres (bcm). Biomethane produced from sustainable biomass sources, such as agricultural wastes and residues, should be prioritized in Member States’ CAP strategic plans.

Accelerator for Hydrogen.

By 2030, an additional 15 million tons (mt) of renewable hydrogen, on top of the 5,6 mt envisaged in the Fit for 55, may replace 25-50 bcm of imported Russian gas. This would be made up of an additional 10 million tons of imported hydrogen from various sources and an additional 5 million tons of hydrogen produced in Europe, exceeding the EU’s hydrogen strategy’s aims and maximizing domestic hydrogen production 15. Other sources of fossil-free hydrogen, particularly nuclear-based hydrogen, are also used to replace natural gas.

For more information contact: Agnes Török (agnes.armour@trade.gov)