LNG Markets and Sustainability: How to include emissions intensity information in LNG agreements?

This online debate organized in the context of the EU-funded project LNGnet, will discuss how to include emissions intensity information in LNG Agreements

The importance of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in Europe’s overall energy mix has considerably increased in the last three years: since the Russian aggression to Ukraine in February 2022 and its impact on EU gas supply strategy, LNG imports to Europe have grown and LNG has proven to be a valid and reliable instrument to quickly compensate for the sudden shortage of Russian gas via pipeline.

LNG is likely to remain as part of the EU energy mix for some decades, particularly for its important contribution to energy stability and security of supply. At the same time, Europe cannot forget its climate targets and commitments. Upstream and import regulations are going to evolve in the next few years, as to facilitate the achievement of decarbonisation commitments; in parallel, technological pathways are going to evolve, affecting market conditions and global players’ behaviours and drivers.

Therefore, it’s reasonable to think that, going forward, in LNG contracts (Sales and Purchase Agreements, SPAs) a differentiation of the product depending on its carbon or emission intensity will automatically emerge: the more emissions associated with the production of feed-gas or its liquefaction and transport, the higher the costs of both its production and use in the destination market.

How should this information be tackled? What are the possible challenges in making it compatible or even standardized as to facilitate trading in a global market like LNG?

While not addressing the question of measurement, reporting and verification of said emission intensity values, this workshop will debate how carbon intensity can be taken into account and translated into LNG contracts, how it may be structured and which information would need to be considered for the relevant provisions.

Programme

Introduction to the Debate and Opening Presentations

14.00 – 14.05 Introduction to the Debate

Ilaria Conti | FSR

14.05 – 14.20 Specialised WG5: LNG Trading Arrangements in the Context of the Energy Transition

Gunnar Steck | LNGnet Team Leader

14.20 – 14.30 EU Energy Prospects

Adam Szolyak | Policy Officer, DG ENER

Panel Discussion: Introductory Remarks, Polls and Comments

Moderator: Alberto Pototschnig | FSR

14.30 – 14.50 Introductory remarks from the panellists

Luis Ignacio Parada | President of Gas LNG Europe, Gas Infrastructure Europe

Kim Talus | Professor of Energy Law at UEF Law School, University of Helsinki

Andreas Guth | Policy Director, Eurogas

Michaela Duve | Chair Legal Committee, Energy Traders Europe

14.50 – 14.55 Polls

14.55 – 15.20 Comments on the polls outcome and Q&A from the audience Panellists

15.20 – 15.30 Concluding remarks

Ilaria Conti | Florence School of Regulation

Alberto Pototschnig | Florence School of Regulation