Report: Imports, unconventional gas to meet surging Chinese gas demand

摘要

In a prewinter analysis of Chinese natural gas demand for the 2010-2011 heating season, Poten & Partners, New York, reports that the country's National Development and Reform Commission had demanded a 20% increase in gas supplies to avoid a recurrence of last winter's shortages. Poten cites China's official Xinhua news agency, which reported that NDRC's vice-director has urged local companies to boost LNG spot purchases and move ahead on new gas projects. Poten data suggest Chinese imports climbed 61% in 2009 and 75% during the first 8 months of 2010. Since its inaugural cargo arrived at Guangdong Dapeng LNG from Australia's North West Shelf in May 2006, the country's import capacity has expanded rapidly. In addition to LNG, pipeline imports will play a major role in satisfying China's supply requirements, says Poten. Central Asia is the most important pipeline source in late 2010. Unconventional gas -- shale, coalbed methane, and tight sands -- represents another component of China's supply plans, says the Poten analysis.