ENI and IFP carried out a strategic study on the gas technology chain, on behalf of the EU Commission (DG XVII – Thermie B).
Coordinated by ENI, the project combined the expertise of the Institute Française du Pétrole (IFP), Snamprogetti, ENI Technologie, and Agip Petroli/Euron (ENI Group).
The main goals of the study were: To build a high-gas and low-CO2 scenario, in view of the European fulfilment of the greenhouse gases commitment to 2010 and beyond;
To asses the technologies required for the accelerated supply and utilisation of natural gas in Europe;
To evaluate the economic, industrial and environmental benefits thereof.
With respect to Conventional Wisdom scenario, gas allows to build in Europe a low CO2 scenario, fulfiling the target of the Kyoto protocol and beyond.
The GATE scenario appears to be feasible both from the supply and demand side.
Expanded European gas production and new pipeline gas, LNG and NGL imports can supply the additional demand, while keeping the supply independence between 40-50 percent.
Power generation is the end-use that allows the majority of the CO2 Reduction.Therefore gas is the bridge towards a more decarbonised energy system.
Historical development of gas production and consumption is discussed and illustrated together with the start up of a nascent gas industry in the early seventies that could have developed into much bigger and mature industry before the end of the century had conditions permitted.
Future trends in the gas industry and the various tasks that lie ahead are also discussed and projections are given.
Prepared by ENI and IFP
Source:OAPEC.ORG
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
