Oil and Gas Delivery to Europe: An Overview of Existing and Planned Infrastructures. European Governance and the Geopolitics of Energy

Abstract

The European Union’s hydrocarbon energy supply depends heavily on imports. While the European Commission has recommended diversifying and increasing domestic resources, notably with renewable resources which should grow to 20% by 2020, dependence on hydrocarbon imports will remain not only important, but will increase. Particular attention must thus be paid to the question of transportation, and also to the countries of origin, investments in infrastructure, their protection, relations with transit countries, ‘competing consumers’-notably China and emerging countries, but also the United States-, energy wastefulness in producing countries, and finally, price. Security of supply depends on adequate and reliable infrastructure, and must always be thought of in the longterm. This fourth study conducted by the European Governance and Geopolitics of Energy program at IFRI includes discussions about pipeline routes and potential outputs, their current use and the financial requirements for transportation, on-going projects and those planned for the future, their cost, their financing, and their probable operational start-up date. While all infrastructures are necessarily included (including Norway, the United Kingdom, and North Africa), particular attention is paid to transportation infrastructure that connects Europe with Russia and the former Soviet Union (Central Asia, Caspian Sea). One will quickly understand that the issue of gas is dominant in today’s discussions.