The development of international gas markets
Over the past decades, natural gas has been taking an increasing importance in meeting energy requirements worldwide. Today, this energy source is emerging as the fuel of the next century. Indeed, its intrinsic qualities combined with an abundance of resources give it priority in energy demand scenarios, especially in the power generation sector where its use in combined-cycle power plants is developing rapidly. Nevertheless, although availability of gas does not raise any doubt, both its unequal distribution on the earth and the remoteness of the most recent discoveries will lead to a tremendous increase in international gas trade. As a result, an adequate production and transportation infrastructure will bring additional costs to make gas available on the most consuming markets as well as those less endowed with gas resources. The expansion of gas markets involves billion of dollars, and present depressed oil prices to which gas prices are linked do not favor the financing of such highly capitalistic investments (LNG chains, long-distance gas pipelines). Int that sense, the evolution of gas prices will be determinant for the effective expansion of worldwide gas markets. In addition, more co-operation between the operators of the gas industry will be indispensable to reduce costs and develop new high-performing technologies.
- OSTI ID:
- 124635
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9503132-; TRN: IM9548%%225
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 74. annual Gas Processors Association (GPA) meeting, San Antonio, TX (United States), 13-15 Mar 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings 74. annual convention Gas Processors Association, 1995; PB: 378 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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