[en] This report reviews research of relevance to the analysis of present and future developments of the European natural gas market. The research activities considered are confined to (1) numerical models for gas markets, (2) analyses of energy demand, and (3) analyses of behaviour and cost structures in the transmission and distribution sector. Most of the market models are strictly micro economic and assume perfect competition or a game-theoretical equilibrium. They use sophisticated solution concepts, but very simplified specifications of supply and demand functions. Most of the research on demand is econometric analyses. These have more detailed model specification than have the aggregated market models. It is found, however, that the econometric literature based on neo-classical economics has not yielded unambiguous results and the specifications disregard important real world aspects of gas demand. The section on demand concludes that the extent of the gas grid is an important determinant for gas demand, but there has been virtually no research on what determines this variable. Data about transmission and distribution of gas in Europe is scarce and only a few non-econometric and virtually no econometric analyses are available. However, some conclusions can be made from relevant North American literature: (1) there has been significant autonomous technical progress in the transmission industry, (2) distribution costs strongly depend on geographical and other conditions, and (3) ownership, whether private or public, may be important for distribution costs and pricing policies. 56 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab

[en] The concept of electronic data interchange (EDI) in the gas industry was discussed. EDI as a champion of costumer service and as a powerful management tool was defined, and the process of electronic information transfer was explained. EDI was then placed in the context of the business process, and its benefits in providing efficient service and product improvement were enumerated. North American Gas EDI standards, and industry initiatives were explored in detail

[en] At the Fourth Conference of the Forum Institute on 18 and 19 January 1995 there was a motion to grant the electricity supply an exceptional status in takeover price negotiations in order to do justice to the cost-price coupling prescribed in that sector. This was intended to legitimatise the abandonment of all managerial, market-oriented methods of calculating the actual value of an electricity network. These ideas met with well-founded opposition of the same conference. In the gas economy cost-price coupling is less rigid because here price formation is largely determined by substitution competition with other energy carriers (mineral oil, district heating, electricity). In view of these circumstances the present article deals exclusively with the termination of gas concession contracts. Because of the affinity of Articles 9 and 10 of the General Terms of the Gas Supply to Article 9 and 10 of the General Terms of the Electricity Supply some of the thoughts presented here also apply to the electricity supply. However, the results found here for the gas economy cannot be transferred to the electricity economy without modification. (orig.)

[en] This special report discusses gas supplies from Russia, the impact of liberalisation on the European gas industry, and the rise of gas to 25% of the market share in Germany. An overview of the Austrian gas industry is given, and the record gas demand, international transit, North Sea deliveries, Germany involvement, and energy tax are considered. (UK)

[en] Estimates were made of the relation between the plant-gate price of natural gas and the volume of economically recoverable undiscovered resources. Supply curves were presented for full-cycle and half-cycle cases, and for a weighted case in between full- and half-cycle cases. The weighted case was considered the reference case in this study. It was found that 10% of the volume of recoverable gas was economic at a price of $44.13 per 10,000 cubic m, and 38% was considered economic at $88.25 per 10,000 cubic m (in 1990 dollars). Further analysis showed the sensitivities of economic potential to changes in total costs, exploration success ratios, distances of discoveries to gathering systems, and resource estimates. Virtually all of the economically recoverable gas resources were found in four plays. 10 refs., 14 figs., 6 tabs

[en] The proposition that the European energy sector is 'in motion' is a euphemism rather than an open door. Monopolies are being broken down and markets are being liberated. As one of the last sectors the natural gas sector now has to follow. At a political and legal level the first steps have already been made and all market partners have begun to adjust their policy accordingly. The consequences of the liberalization are laid down in a joint publication 'Gas under pressure'. The authors predict for instance a modification in the current price system, more independence for the energy utilities and a change of the so-called small natural gas fields policy

[en] In the future, it can be assumed there will be a new quality of co-operation between the East and the West. The tremendous growth in demand for natural gas in Europe necessitates the development of new, increasingly distant gas resources. The investment required can not be raised by a few countries on their own. A strategy is needed for all states integrated in the European natural gas transmission system. Due to their geographic location, Eastern and Southern European countries have a key role to play. Central Europe will become the heart of the international natural gas business. Then the future co-operation between East and Western Europe must be taken into account. An important prerequisite for equal partners in the European gas industry will be coordination, if natural gas is to continue to make a growing contribution to an environmentally compatible and efficient energy supply in all European states and beyond. (orig.)

[en] Natural gas demand in the countries of Southern Europe is expected to double by 2010, the largest market growth being in power generation. Indigenous gas production will account for less than 13 % of the projected demand and just over 50 % has already been secured under existing contracts. Italy has access to pipeline supplies from the Netherlands and the Former Soviet Union via the European grid. Recently Spain has received supplies of Norwegian gas via the continental grid. Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria and the former Yugoslavia are connected to the main trunk line from Russia. In order to meet the projected demand fully, however, the region will have to import from a growing diversity of suppliers. A new pipeline will enable Algeria to double its existing exports to Italy and should be fully operational by 1996. First deliveries of Algerian gas to Spain are expected this year through another new pipeline which will eventually link up with a new gas grid in Portugal and also with the European grid. Imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Italy and Spain from Algeria and Nigeria are expected to increase and Turkey and Greece are building LNG terminals. Libya and Egypt are potentially large suppliers of LNG. (UK)

[en] Europe looks like needing all the gas it can get well into the next century and North Africa is an obvious supplier. Problems with the liquefied gas trade made Algeria revive piped gas export alternatives, so it is expanding one artery to Europe and building another. With the development of promising reserves off Libya, Egypt and Tunisia, the possibility of more pipeline connections is looming and supplies from other African countries cannot be ruled out. (Author)

[en] Commercial and industrial gas users can now buy gas from a plethora of new suppliers, and further developments are expected this year. This article reports on the state of the gas supply industry. (Author)