Largest proposed LNG import terminals in the EU 2022, by capacity

The German Uniper Wilhelmshaven LNG terminal is the largest proposed LNG import terminal in Europe, based on expected annual capacity. While the project was initially shelved in 2020, calls for a reduction in Germany's dependence on Russian gas imports has renewed interest in the project. With a proposed construction date of 2025, the terminal will have a capacity of 20 billion cubic meters per year once completed. By comparison, the Milford Haven South Hook LNG terminal in the United Kingdom was the largest operational LNG import terminal in Europe as of April 2022 with a nominal annual capacity of 21 billion cubic meters. As of that month, there were 29 large onshore operational LNG import terminals in Europe.

Europe’s energy dependence

Since 2008, dependence on energy imports in the EU stood above 52 percent. In 2021, Russian gas dependence in Europe was highest in countries in Eastern Europe. Europe’s energy import reliance has become particularly concerning following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Russia-Ukraine war expedited the need to seek new gas suppliers and other energy sources.

LNG imports in Europe

Liquefied natural gas offers the opportunity to purchase natural gas even from suppliers not connected to pipeline networks. Qatar is the leading supplying country of LNG to the European Union, followed by the United States and Nigeria. The North American country is expected to increase its LNG export volume to Europe, with the United Kingdom and the European Union importing record high volumes since the end of 2021, mostly due to low natural gas storage reserves.