The Summit held in Shanghai 13th-14th October focused on China’s ongoing LNG projects as well as their equipment and service needs.
China’s 12th Five Year Plan stresses that the rising energy demand should be met by cleaner energy sources. According to the plan, natural gas should in 2015 have an 8.3 percent share in the primary energy mix. In 2010 that number was 4 percent.
To reach this target, China would need to import approximately 50-60 bcm of natural gas. That equals the current import level of the European Union.
Opportunities for foreign companies
The rapidly growing LNG industry in China is expected to support a wide array of stakeholders. With limited local competences there should be opportunities for foreign companies.
Norway has a long tradition in the production, distribution, storage and usage of LNG, and could become an important partner for China in the future development of the domestic LNG sector.
In addition to distribution and shipping, Norwegian maritime companies also have strong experience in ship design, certification and equipment manufacturing, e.g. propulsion systems and fuel storage tanks.
Talks to explore co-operation between Norwegian and Chinese firms
A high level meeting was held with the Shanghai municipal government and the Maritime Safety Administration. Representatives from Innovation Norway and the Norwegian company Westad Industrier discussed China’s future LNG market as well as Norway’s experience in small-scale distribution and usage of LNG along the Norwegian coast.
Norway’s background and knowledge in this area can be applied to the development of the sector in China today.
Such possibilities will be further explored during an LNG seminar 28th November this year. The seminar is organized jointly by the Norwegian Consulate General in Shanghai, the Norwegian Embassy in Beijing, the Norwegian Consulate General in Guangzhou and Innovation Norway.
The meeting also marks the launch of a report describing the future LNG market in China.