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3.3.1 PIPELINE IMPORTS
Pipeline imports represent the main way to import gas into Europe. Considering
the reasonable distance between many producing countries and the European
consumers, pipelines represent an economical way to import gas.
3.3.1.1 Russia
The Russian Federation is currently the main gas supplier of the EU, providing
140 bcm (1,541TWh) in 2015, meaning 32% of EU supply share. It is expected to
remain a major import source over the whole time horizon of this Report. The future
production of gas will depend on investments in the upstream sector and increased
competition for Russian supply from other export destinations such as China.
Reserves
Russia has the second largest proven gas reserves in the world, behind Iran, with
32,271bcm at the end of 2015
1)
. In the past decade the proved gas reserves of
Russia slightly increased (+14% between 2000 and 2015). According to Gazprom
most of the production and reserves are located in the Ural Federal District, with
significant reserves also in the continental shelf.
Production
In 2015, Russia was the second largest natural gas producer of the world behind the
United States with 573bcma.
0
20
40
60
80
%
0
200
400
600
bcma
1985
1987
1989
1991
1993
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
2007
2009
2011
2015
2013
Production
Demand
Export / Production
Export/Production
Figure 3.16:
Natural gas production and demand of Russia (Source: BP statistical review 2016)
In the period 2005–2015 the natural gas production of Russia was on average
585bcma. There is one significant outlier in 2009 with a decrease that could be
linked to the economic down-turn and the Ukraine transit disruption. Contrary to
Norway, Russia has its own domestic demand that can influence its export poten-
tial. This internal demand of Russia remained stable around 400bcma.
1) BP statistical review of world energy 2016