Weak German Outlook Undermines Import Plans

摘要

Gas demand in Germany is expected to drop over the next 10 to 15 years regardless of next year's phase out of nuclear power or ongoing coal plant closures,judging by an Energy Intelligence assessment of various consumption forecasts.That would appear to undermine the energy security rationale behind the construction of new import infrastructure such as LNG terminals or Gazprom's Nord Stream 2 pipe.Gas will exist as a backup to intermittent renewables,but only to meet peak demand(WGI Jul.8'20).That runs counter to most energy companies'views that gas consumption will expand to replace dirtier coal.Only last week,the CEO of Germany's Wintershall,Mario Mehren,defended gas'role in the energy transition,saying that"more climate protection means more gas."