The increasing trend in gas consumption in Greece continues, according to natural gas transmission system operator DESFA’s data for the first quarter of 2022, with the Revithoussa LNG Terminal being the main natural gas entry gate of the country in this period and the point of interconnection with TAP pipeline to also contribute significantly to gas inflow.
According to DESFA’s data, domestic gas consumption increased by 6.18 per cent in the first quarter of 2022, reaching 18.74 Terawatt hours (TWh). In particular, gas imports amounted to 21.33 TWh, showing an increase of 11.33 per cent from 19.16 TWh in the first quarter of 2021, while exports to Bulgaria amounted to about 2.58 TWh, a quantity increased by 73.65 per cent compared to that exported in the corresponding period of 2021, covering 12.05 per cent of total demand.
The largest quantities entered the country from the Revithoussa LNG Terminal, which covered 43.23 per cent of imports, recording a significant increase compared to the first quarter of 2021. In particular, about 9.02 TWh of LNG were unloaded from 21 vessels from 6 countries, compared to the 9 vessels in 2021. The increase mainly concerns LNG cargos from the US. Second in place, were imports from Algeria, followed by Nigeria, Egypt, Oman and Indonesia.
DESFA’s infrastructure continues to contribute substantially to the diversification of gas supply sources and security of supply and its important role, which also promotes sustainable energy alternatives. Its role was also recognised by the European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson during a state visit to the Revithoussa LNG terminal.
“Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, EU energy policy faces a threefold challenge: to ensure safe, sustainable and affordable energy in the midst of an increasingly difficult market situation,” said Mrs Simson. “[…] Greece, with its existing and planned infrastructure, plays a key role in the security of the EU’s gas supply. It is worth acknowledging Greece’s efforts to ensure a just transition while making significant market reforms and accelerating the necessary investments.”
As pointed out by the Greek Minister of Environment and Energy, Kostas Skrekas, according to the government’s plan, DESFA has launched the upgrade of the storage capacity of the Revithoussa terminal, while DEPA Commercial closely monitors the availability of LNG cargoes in the international markets in order to supply additional cargoes if necessary.
He also mentioned projects like the interconnecting natural gas pipelines Greece – Bulgaria IGB and Greece – North Macedonia, as well as the electricity interconnections with neighbouring countries, such as Egypt. As important contributors to the transformation of Greece into an important energy hub for the wider region of Southeastern Europe and to the independence from the imports of Russian fossil fuels.
“At the same time, we are accelerating investments in RES as the increase of green energy production will shield the country from imported crises and is the only realistic option for reducing costs on a stable basis for households and businesses,” he said.
