Houston-based LNG specialists Cheniere Energy is planning to bring a floating regasification terminal to Croatia in a move that could loosen Russia’s grip on the energy markets of Central and South Eastern Europe, sources within the company told Reuters yesterday.
“Central and Eastern Europe will become accessible soon,” said one source familiar with Cheniere’s plans. “The problem right now is that markets exist in places where there is no infrastructure. But that could be solved within two to three years. LNG would allow these countries to participate in the fully global gas market,” the source added.
Building an LNG import terminal has long been on Croatia’s agenda and has the backing of the United States, which is keen on helping the region diversify away from its almost complete reliance on Russian gas; Croatia has already taken steps to attract investors for the construction of a fixed LNG terminal but many believe the project is too costly and faces too many obstacles. Cheniere’s plans for a floating LNG terminal could offer a realistic alternative.
Cheniere sets out to break Gazprom LNG monopoly in Europe
Source: Rosbalt