Spanish Gas Demand for Power Hits Record

Natural gas demand for power generation in Spain broke a six-year record reaching 526 GWh (48.9mn m³) on November 15, said Spain’s gas system operator, Enagas in a statement, adding that national natural gas demand has grown by 9% this year compared with the same period in 2016. Industrial demand, which accounts for 60% of the total, was a big part of that, going up 7.44%.

Low wind and hydro power generation and the shut-down of two of the country’s six operating nuclear power plants were responsible for the steep increase in natural gas demand. Enagas also forecasted another record-breaking demand for November 16.

Natural gas demand for conventional use – domestic, commercial and industrial consumption – also broke a new record for the first 15 days of November.

Spain’s total natural gas demand at normal temperature conditions (cold spells excluded) reached on November 15 its highest level since 2012. “[November 15’s] record demand for gas from the electricity sector was easily absorbed by the system, which operated with total normality, demonstrating the fundamental role that natural gas plays in guaranteeing the electricity supply,” said Enagas.

The news from Enagas was another boost for the Spanish natural gas sector which has already seen a record number of LNG cargoes arriving from Peru this year, as the ministry of energy and major gas companies in country are working towards converting Spain to an important LNG hub in Europe. Some of the LNG has been reloaded and sent on to Asia.

Daniel Stemler