[en] Gas expansion is a technique for high-efficient power generation. For technical reasons, however, there are only limited fields of application for gas expansion. Energy utilities now operate a reasonable number of expansion installations or have them in preparation. The manufacturing industry is expected to follow. Smaller installations seem to be economically more attractive and will become more important in the future. 4 ills

[en] It appears that the US natural gas industry is used as a model for the natural gas industry in Europe. In the USA transmission and sales activities are unbundled and utilities are transformed into commercial enterprises. A brief overview is given of the American experiences. 1 fig., 5 ills

[en] Finland is the only country in Western Europe that has no connection to the natural gas network of the European Union. For almost 25 years Finland depends completely on Russian natural gas supply. Without complaints, because Russian gas is of good quality and their gas supply is very reliable. Yet, the small Finnish gas industry wants to be connected to the European gas grid by a new northern supply route. The options are a Nordic Gas Grid and a route through the Baltic Sea. In their view, a real open market can only be created with several suppliers. 2 figs., 2 ills

[en] Although Japan hardly possesses natural gas reserves or a natural gas distribution system it ranks sixth on the world list of natural gas consumers. Japan almost completely depends on LNG import which resulted in a well-developed LNG technology. 72% of the imported gas is applied for the production of electric power. More than 25% of the total LNG import is used for local gas companies, which distribute the LNG to households, and the manufacturing and services sector. 3 figs., 5 ills

[en] The prospects for natural gas vehicles (NGV) are good. The number of trucks, busses and passenger cars that run on natural gas has considerably increased over the last few years. Natural gas is applauded from various sides as the most important alternative engine fuel. Some prestigious automobile manufacturers have meanwhile included NGV in their price list. However, it's up to the authorities and the gas industry itself in particular to make or break the success of NGV. The maximum range of 300 km is still too limited as is the number of natural gas filling stations in most countries. And without financial impetus NGV will not be able to compete with petrol- and diesel-fueled cars. Yet, clean natural gas vehicles appear to realize a market share of 1% soon

[en] Everywhere in the world plans are being made to stimulate the natural gas industry in developing countries. High investment costs are the biggest problem almost everywhere. Even countries with a closed economy realize that they do not get far without foreign capital. Cases are presented for Africa, Pakistan, and Indonesia

[en] Extensive use is made of electricity in professional catering. Yet, the advantages of natural gas are obvious: energy costs are considerably lower as well as nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions. Generally, the amortization period of natural gas appliances is two years, sometimes even less than six months. In co-operation with the energy utilities and within the framework of the Marketing Plan for the Public Gas Supply (MOG), Gasunie informs the various target groups, including caterers, of the advantages of natural gas. At the moment five projects have already been carried out. 4 ills

[en] Before the oil crisis in 1973 Denmark was almost completely dependent on oil import. However, now this country exports oil and natural gas. Under the influence of strong pricing regulations the contribution of natural gas to the Danish energy supply increased from zero to twenty percent. Also, because of a fierce stimulation policy for cogeneration Denmark is the only country which reduced its emission of CO₂. At present the Danish state enterprise DONG (Dansk Olie og Naturalgas A/S) prepares for the opening of the European natural gas market. The position of the Danish gas market is outlined. 3 figs

[en] The natural gas industry in the Czech Republic is one of the oldest in Europe. In the past, natural gas has played a modest role in the Czech energy supply: coal and town gas from coal and lignite were the major energy sources. However, more and more use is made of natural gas, imported from Russia (Gazprom) and Norway. Besides, the Czech natural gas distribution, transportation and storage system occupies a key position in the Central-European natural gas network

[en] Gas sockets, advanced remote meter reading, flexible indoor piping and experimental installations for heating and hot water in combination with hotfill equipment are all special features in the new housing project 'De Akkers' in Helmond, Netherlands. Both the gas utility Obragas and Gasunie want to demonstrate that natural gas is still the most attractive option for new houses. Both companies also want to compile data and experiences on applying the above-mentioned technologies