So far, Germany's energy structure has not completely collapsed. On the one hand, it comes from the strong support of coal-fired power plants, and on the other hand, it is fossil energy purchased from countries such as Norway and Qatar . Speaking of Qatar, its geographical location determines that this place has become a major exporter of liquefied natural gas . It has great advantages in exporting liquefied natural gas. Most of the exported liquefied natural gas is sent to Asian countries, and 30% of the export volume is paid by the EU , but Germany Before this, it has been reluctant to import LNG from Qatar. One of the reasons is of course that it is expensive. If Germany wants to receive LNG, it must build an LNG receiving station in advance. In order to achieve the goal of "zero dependence" on Russian energy, as early as March this year , Germany signed a big deal with Qatar. How big is
? Originally, Qatar's annual export volume was 130 billion cubic meters. In order to "reinforce" Germany, the export volume was increased to 160 billion cubic meters. Qatar is not a conscientious sponsor. Although it exports liquefied natural gas, it withdrew from the OPEC oil organization four years ago. This move was also supported by US President Biden , who personally signed an executive order declaring Qatar an "important non-NATO organization" Allies”, well, it’s all business. Doesn’t also need a LNG receiving station? Fix it! The already built Nord Stream natural gas pipeline is no longer needed and this LNG receiving station will be used. After repair, it is expected that Qatar can start transporting LNG to Germany as early as 2024.
Picture/On May 10, the federal government passed the bill to build liquefied natural gas terminals as soon as possible (where the money is spent, this is a big expenditure)
As mentioned above, Qatar’s liquefied natural gas will not be available until 2024 at the earliest. What will happen in the next two years? German industrial plants that do not rely on Russian energy will really be doomed, not to mention what will happen at the end of the year. In the past few days, Beijing Xi No. 1 is about to "cut off the supply of for three days for routine maintenance of ", what should I do?
Picture/Natural gas transportation volume during the last Beixi 1 pipeline repair
The German media said that it is okay, and the liquefied natural gas from China will keep up. What's going on? Most of Qatar's liquefied natural gas is exported to Asian countries, and China is of course the largest buyer. German media said that due to China's current economic weakness, as the world's largest LNG consumer, energy demand is now lower than expected, so it is reselling some of its excess LNG.
According to a report in the British " Financial Times " titled "By reselling liquefied natural gas, China provides Europe with an energy lifeline", Europe has currently benefited from the energy resold by China. Compared with the same period last year, in 2022 European LNG imports increased by nearly 60% in the first half of the year.
However, while Europe is benefiting, it is also being picky. German media believe that this method cannot be done once and for all. Once China's economy recovers, the energy that can be sold will decrease, and Europe will once again face energy shortages. On the other hand, Europe is worried that Russia will export more natural gas to China, and then China used the excuse to have more liquefied natural gas left over, and then Europe used disguised high prices to purchase energy that still had relations with Russia.
German media said that China is expanding its influence in the global energy market. The British "Financial Times" warned that it is extremely ironic that as Europe tries to get rid of its dependence on Russian energy, it becomes increasingly dependent on China.
