“A very important step is being taking here, in the Netherlands.  We are witnessing the opening of the first LNG terminal in which the Czech Republic has purchased capacity.  The capacity is such that it covers approximately a third of the Czech Republic’s annual gas consumption.  We have entered into a long-term contract – for five years.  I think that this is a good example, not only of the action-readiness of the Czech government and ČEZ, through which we have implemented this project, but above all, it is a great example of European cooperation,” said Prime Minister Petr Fiala.  “Today, our gas tanks are 84% full.  We are prepared for the upcoming winter.  The goal is to have sufficient energy in the Czech Republic for households, public institutions, and enterprises, as well as for the energy to be at affordable prices.  Several countries participate in the running of the terminal and in getting the gas to the Czech Republic: in addition to the Netherlands, also France and Germany are involved.”

“We have been negotiating about the possibility of obtaining a share in the LNG terminal in the Netherlands since April of this year.  It is another step whereby we gradually free ourselves of our energy dependency on Russia.  In this case, natural gas supplies will replace up to one-third of gas consumption.  This is a historical moment for the Czech Republic’s energy security, as we have never before had a share in an LNG terminal,” added Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela.

The facility, with an aggregate annual capacity of 8 billion cubic metres, located at the Eemshaven port in the province of Groningen, is comprised of two vessels: the Exmar S188 and the Golar Igloo, which enable storage and regasification (FSRU). Liquified gas will be delivered to the terminal in specially adapted tankers. Once heated at the terminal and converted to a gaseous state, it is injected into the transport pipeline system. Aside from ČEZ, capacity in the terminal has been reserved by other well-known energy companies: Dutch Shell and French Engie.

"It is very good news that Gasunie, together with all the parties involved at home and abroad, has been able to realise the new LNG terminal so quickly. In addition to saving as much energy as possible and filling the gas storage facilities, the import of liquid gas is indispensable for the security of gas supply in the coming winter. The arrival of the new LNG terminal is an important step not only for the Netherlands, but for the whole of Europe towards reducing its dependence on energy from Russia as quickly as possible," said Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Rob Jetten.

Holding capacity in the import terminal, which the Czech Republic achieved in mid June, was the first prerequisite for further negotiations for obtaining liquified natural gas. A month later, ČEZ, in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, also met the second condition: it gained transport capacity for carrying the gas from the Netherlands to the Czech Republic. The first tanker is already on its way.

“The first LNG shipment will arrive in approximately ten days.  It will be a tanker with a capacity of 100 million cubic metres, which will come from the United States, from Cheniere. And more will follow: we have contracted for a total of eight slots for eight ships with a similar capacity by the end of the year, and we will carry on at a similar pace,” said CEO of ČEZ Daniel Beneš.

"The EemsEnergyTerminal makes an important contribution to the security of supply and helps the Netherlands and Europe to reduce their dependence on Russian gas. In the longer term Gasunie wants to use the terminal for green hydrogen. In this way, the EemsEnergyTerminal will be able to contribute to the energy supply in the Netherlands and Europe for many years to come," said CEO of Gasunie Han Fennema.

Did you know that...

• Long-distance transport of LNG is possible only if the gas is cooled to -160 °C and compressed into liquified form.
• Primarily LNG tankers equipped with LNG regasification facilities are used as FSRUs.
• their advantages include
  • Simpler approval legislation – onshore terminals are subject to tighter building regulations, a deep-water port suffices for floating terminals
  • Low initial costs – 50-60% compared to onshore terminals of the same size
  • Flexibility – can be sold or transported elsewhere when no longer needed
• Liquified natural gas is converted back into gas by heating it in the terminals, and it is transported to customers via a system of transport pipelines.
• Since September 2022, the sea entrance to Eemshaven port has been adapted to enable it to receive LNG cargo boats that are 300 metres long, 50 metres wide, and have a draught of 12 metres.
• Using heat from sea water, the LNG is heated (the boat carries the gas chilled to -162 degrees centigrade, which reduces its volume approximately 600 times), reconverts it into gas, and injects it into the Dutch gas distribution system.
• Terminal capacity has been purchased for five years, from September 2022 to September 2027.