Greek gas consumption surges 30% in 2024

Greece's natural gas consumption rose by 30% last year to 66.2 TWh (6.7bn cubic metres), with all domestic consumer categories recording increases, according to data released by DESFA, the country's gas grid operator, on January 14.

The recovery in demand comes despite Greece predicting decline in gas consumption in the coming years in its revised National Climate and Energy Plan, finalised late last year. The plan assumes that gas consumption will drop from 51.2 TWh in 2022 to 44.1 TWh in 2030 and then 16.2 TWh by 2050. Driving this decline will be increased use of renewables in power generation, electrification of residential and industrial heating sectors and the growing use of biogas and biomethane.

Consumption for power generation grew by 31.6% last year, while usage by large industries and compressed natural gas refuelling stations connected directly to DESFA's system surged by 74.1%, the operator said. Household consumers and distribution network-connected businesses also reported a 4.8% rise.

DESFA reported that the country received 27 LNG cargoes totalling 18.7 TWh through the Revithoussa terminal last year, with the US contributing 71.6% of this gas, or 13.9 TWh, marking a 24.6% increase year on year. Russia supplied 2.86 TWh, or 15.3%, Algeria 1.46 TWh (7.8%) and Norway 0.98 TWh (5.24%). LNG truck loading services at Revithoussa handled 261 trucks transporting 76,704 MWh of energy.

Total gas demand, combining domestic consumption and exports, increased by 2.2% to 69.11 TWh, despite an 82.6% fall in exports to 2.91 TWh owing to reduced flows earlier in the year. Export volumes surged in the final quarter, supported by the commercial start-up of the Alexandroupolis FSRU and the IGB pipeline connection to Komotini.

Natural gas imports totalled 69.4 TWh, up 2.5% from 2023. The Sidirokastro entry point, receiving pipeline gas from Russia, accounted for 51.6% of total imports (35.8 TWh). Revithoussa contributed 26.43% (18.34 TWh), while the Nea Mesimvria entry point, linked to the Trans-Adriatic (TAP) pipeline, handled 18.1% (12.54 TWh). The new Alexandroupolis FSRU supplied 2.69 TWh (3.9%).

Power generation dominated domestic consumption, representing 68.7% of total demand. Industrial users and CNG stations accounted for 13.6%, while households and businesses connected to distribution networks made up 17.7%.

DESFA highlighted its infrastructure’s critical role in diversifying gas supply sources and enhancing regional energy security. The operator also credited the regulated third-party access (TPA) framework, governed by EU and national legislation, for promoting competition and benefiting consumers.