Asian

Formidable cost obstacles confront British Columbia (BC) plans to break into global liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets, while Nova Scotia export proposals face even higher hurdles, according to the Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI).

Emerging Asian markets for liquefied natural gas (LNG) are helping to offset declines seen in the three largest importers: Japan, South Korea and China, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Global natural gas demand is becoming increasingly bearish, as Europe’s needs are diminished and oversupply is looming, potentially putting the kibosh on U.S. exporters gaining a lot of global share.

U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals “raced ahead” last year as a final investment decision (FID) was made on three projects during the first half, representing 18.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of capacity, according to Wood Mackenzie Ltd.’s principal analyst Alex Munton. But LNG demand in Asia has waned, analysts said, creating uncertainty ahead.

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark was to embark Friday on her fifth overseas trade mission to court Asian customers for liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal projects on her province’s Pacific Coast.

Ministers from Japan and India meeting in Tokyo Monday agreed for the liquefied natural gas (LNG)-consuming countries to work together to secure what they believe would be more equitable pricing for supplies.

Large natural gas end-users, consumer advocates and environmentalists have raised a cry about exporting U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Asian and European markets, but one power generator executive wonders why no one is questioning increasing pipeline exports of gas to Mexico.

The biggest Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG) export license yet has been granted for shipments to Asian markets, but no date is set to build any terminals or launch tankers.

The Marcellus Shale is a “solidly economic” shale play that could play a big role in the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States to Europe and Asia, but regulatory hurdles, stiff competition and market forces are all significant obstacles, according to two energy industry experts.