France’s Reliance on Russian LNG Imports: A Strategic Conundrum
The Rise in LNG Imports
France, with its extensive infrastructure of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, emerged as a major importer of Russian gas in the wake of the Ukraine conflict. Between 2023 and 2024, French LNG imports from Russia surged by an astonishing 81%, with the nation accounting for a significant portion of European LNG imports.
Strategic Advantage and Dependence
France’s competitive advantage in LNG stems from its five regasification terminals. These facilities enable the country to receive, store, and process LNG. According to Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz, an analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), "France’s LNG imports have the potential to be re-exported to neighboring countries like Germany, which currently lacks sufficient LNG infrastructure."
In fact, the Dunkerque LNG terminal alone accounted for 27% of Russian LNG imports to Europe in 2023. Notably, 85% of all Russian LNG imported into Europe transits through France, Spain, and Belgium.
Replacing Russian Gas: A Complex Challenge
The European Union’s pivot to LNG was driven by the need to replace Russian gas supplies, which were severely curtailed after the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Liquefied in specialized facilities, LNG is transported by ships and requires regasification before entering the European gas network.
Diversification Efforts and Remaining Dependence
Despite the EU’s efforts, France’s dependence on Russian LNG remains a significant concern. Leveraging publicly available data, IEEFA’s Jaller-Makarewicz determined that one-third of France’s LNG supply originates from Russia. The remaining two-thirds are sourced from the United States (one-third) and Algeria (17%).
Implications for the EU’s Energy Security
The high level of reliance on Russian LNG complicates the European Commission’s goal of phasing out Russian gas imports by 2027. This dependence underscores the need for sustained efforts to reduce overall gas consumption.
Demand Reduction and Efficiency Measures
During the 2022 gas crisis, France implemented measures to reduce gas consumption by 20%. However, since 2024, this downward trend has plateaued. According to Jaller-Makarewicz, "Certain energy efficiency measures have been relaxed, such as building insulation measures to mitigate gas consumption during the cold winter months."
Preparing for the Future: LNG Terminals in Expansion
Despite the challenges associated with Russian LNG imports, the industrial sector is preparing for an increase in LNG availability. In the wake of the energy crisis, several new LNG terminals have been approved and are under construction, particularly in Germany. These facilities will bolster Europe’s capacity to process and utilize LNG in the future.
