Douglas-Westwood: LNG Industry to Grow by Nearly 40 Pct in 4 Years

From 2012-2016 the LNG industry is forecast to grow by nearly 40%. A boom in demand in Asia is driving export markets in Australasia and by 2016 North America may become a significant export player, driven by growth in its shale gas production, offering substantial feedstock for the LNG industry.

These factors are headlined in the new 7th edition of Douglas-Westwood’s World LNG Market Forecast 2012-2016.

The report forecasts capital expenditure in the LNG export, carrier and import sectors and is unparalleled in its detailed analysis and scrutiny of the industry.

Murray Dormer, lead author of the report, commented that, “Capital expenditure of $169 billion is forecast in the next five years following a decline from 2009 to 2011. The decline was due to the onset of the global recession, as well as a number of facilities coming onstream or entering the final stages of construction. Looking ahead, Capex will recover through the forecast period as a number of new projects enter their early construction phases.

“Increasing economic growth and demand for gas-fired power generation will see many regions increase their LNG consumption. Particularly important with be the emerging economies of China and India. Japan and Europe will also contribute to rising demand as they move away from nuclear power generation.

“On the supply side, Australia will lead exporting activity with seven facilities due onstream over the forecast period. Overall, liquefaction terminals are set to dominate project expenditure with a number of new players emerging in the export market including Angola, Canada and Papua New Guinea. This sector is expected to generate around $98 billion between 2012 and 2016.

“A general trend throughout the report is the continuing importance of activity in the Pacific Basin. The report also seeks to identify the implications of unconventional gas such as shale gas and coal seam methane on the LNG industry, as well as the emergence and impact of these producers in export markets.”

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LNG World News Staff, July 10, 2012