Europe struggles to attract LNG to refill storages
As Asian netbacks for delivered LNG cargoes outbid European prices, buyers are struggling to attract sufficient volumes to offset a looming storage shortfall. An additional 40 cargoes per month would be needed over the next five months, according to ICIS calculations, though economists doubt this is achievable.
Australians eye nuclear energy, though grid stability hinges on LNG
A substantial 13 GW of nuclear capacity built by 2051 is meant to replace coal generation in Australia, if the Liberal National Party (LNP) wins the federal election in early May. The incumbent Labor government targets 82% renewable energy – though short-term grid stability hinges on dispatchable gas power plants, partly fuelled by imported LNG.
Chinese buyers eye LNG for delivery in early 2020s
A flurry of LNG regas terminals has sprung up in China, mostly used for importing spot cargoes, but analysts see a trend towards medium-term contracts as "buyers need to sign new LNG contracts for delivery in the early 2020s, if not sooner."
