Latin America's LNG drive could quickly lose momentum

Subject Energy diversification efforts. Significance The El Nino weather phenomenon has laid bare the vulnerabilities of South America's dependence on hydropower. Gas has been the primary back-up, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) import capacity a strategic necessity (one which the northern part of the continent lacks). However, a recovery in Argentine gas production could eventually change the region's current gas balance, while the growth of renewables offers a new, indigenous, low-cost energy source. Impacts Investment in LNG import capacity and gas storage will continue. However, facilities face the threat of low utilisation as renewables capacity and domestic gas production increases. As one of the cheapest forms of electricity generation with a large amount of unexploited resource, hydropower will expand. States will gradually look towards other forms of system flexibility and grid resilience.

Subject Plans for energy security and diversification. Significance Because of regional insecurity and political divisions, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the best option for Jordan as its primary energy source. However, renewables can also make a significant contribution to diversified domestic energy production. Impacts Jordan will benefit from the wider uptake of renewables across the Middle East, particularly solar power. A lack of significant oil or gas production may encourage electrification in transport. Deterioration in Israeli-Palestinian relations could undermine the Leviathan gas deal.


Subject South-east Asia gas outlook. Significance Although traditionally an exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), South-east Asia is fast becoming a gas demand centre as energy consumption rises, domestic gas production declines and opposition to coal-fired electricity increases. Impacts South-east Asia’s gas demand will be facilitated by the rise in global LNG capacity. Import dependence will renew regional focus on transnational electricity networks and renewables. The Pacific basin will become the epicentre of LNG trade.


Subject The outlook for the LNG market. Significance With major oil and gas reserves, and around 5% of global GDP, South America might in theory be expected to play an important role in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) business. It both produces and consumes LNG, but the factors affecting LNG production and consumption are national and global rather than primarily regional. In global terms, the region is neither a major producer nor a large market. Impacts With no new LNG production or export facilities currently announced, the region will not become a major producer soon. The Panama Canal will play a key role in facilitating LNG trade around the region and globally. For countries lacking material gas production, for example Chile, LNG will continue to be a key energy source. Growing gas production in Brazil and Argentina over the medium to long term may increasingly relegate LNG consumption.


Significance The cost of gas-fired generation sets the electricity price in much of Europe today. Falling indigenous production has left Europe reliant on gas imports and exposed it to global liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices set by fast-recovering China. This has left retail-only electricity suppliers vulnerable and increases the risk that falling disposable incomes will undermine post-pandemic recovery. Impacts EU carbon allowance prices will stay strong. Higher energy prices will stoke inflation amid a fragile recovery, posing a dilemma for central banks. Rising gas prices have had ancillary but potentially alarming impacts as some fertiliser and CO2 producers have shut in production.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 826-841 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binita Shah ◽  
Seema Unnikrishnan

Purpose India is a developing economy along with an increasing population estimated to be the largest populated country in about seven years. Simultaneously, its power consumption is projected to increase more than double by 2020. Currently, the dependence on coal is relatively high, making it the largest global greenhouse gas emitting sector which is a matter of great concern. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the environmental impacts of the natural gas electricity generation in India and propose a model using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. Design/methodology/approach LCA is used as a tool to evaluate the environmental impact of the natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plant, as it adopts a holistic approach towards the whole process. The LCA methodology used in this study follows the ISO 14040 and 14044 standards (ISO 14040: 2009; ISO 14044: 2009). A questionnaire was designed for data collection and validated by expert review primary data for the annual environmental emission was collected by personally visiting the power plant. The study follows a cradle to gate assessment using the CML (2001) methodology. Findings The analysis reveals that the main impacts were during the process of combustion. The Global warming potential is approximately 0.50 kg CO2 equivalents per kWh of electricity generation from this gas-based power plant. These results can be used by stakeholders, experts and members who are authorised to probe positive initiative for the reduction of environmental impacts from the power generation sector. Practical implications Considering the pace of growth of economic development of India, it is the need of the hour to emphasise on the patterns of sustainable energy generation which is an important subject to be addressed considering India’s ratification to the Paris Climate Change Agreement. This paper analyzes the environmental impacts of gas-based electricity generation. Originality/value Presenting this case study is an opportunity to get a glimpse of the challenges associated with gas-based electricity generation in India. It gives a direction and helps us to better understand the right spot which require efforts for the improvement of sustainable energy generation processes, by taking appropriate measures for emission reduction. This paper also proposes a model for gas-based electricity generation in India. It has been developed following an LCA approach. As far as we aware, this is the first study which proposes an LCA model for gas-based electricity generation in India. The model is developed in line with the LCA methodology and focusses on the impact categories specific for gas-based electricity generation.


Significance The pipeline transit agreement is set to expire at the end of October. It comes as tensions between Morocco and Algeria have escalated, with the latter cutting diplomatic ties with Rabat and closing its airspace to Moroccan airplanes. Impacts Algeria will argue that trans-Morocco gas can be replaced with extra volumes via the Medgaz line and with liquefied natural gas. The supply implications mainly affect Spain and Morocco, and will have little relevance for other European gas projects. In the East Mediterranean, the costs of a pipeline to Europe remain prohibitively high.


Significance Magufuli and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) have entered 2021 on a high, having swept the October 31 elections and essentially removed all vestiges of opposition to their power. They now need to deliver on their ambitious development agenda. Impacts Crackdowns against the opposition, civil society and other critics will intensify. Persistent bottlenecks in government suggest progress towards a flagship USD30bn liquefied natural gas project may remain slow. Reports that Tanzania is close to finalising a deal for its first ever rare earths mine could give Magufuli’s agenda an early boost.


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