2024 marked a record year for the export of Norwegian gas through the transportation system from the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) to Europe. The volume represents a significant energy supply for Europe, accounting for 30 percent of Europe's natural gas imports and approximately nine percent of its total energy consumption.
A total of 117.6 billion cubic meters (BCM) of gas was transported from the NCS to Europe, equivalent to 1,295 terawatt hours (TWh) of energy. These figures reinforce Norway's position as a key energy provider in the European market.
"The delivery record is a result of excellent cooperation among all players on the Norwegian continental shelf. Key factors include increased capacity at the Kollsnes processing plant, stable production from the fields, and high operational regularity of pipelines, processing plants, and terminals in EU and the UK. Together, we work hard every day to ensure consistent delivery of the gas that Europe needs," says Frode Leversund, CEO of Gassco.
Gassco, the operator of the integrated Norwegian gas transportation system, noted several delivery records in 2024, both in total transported volume and energy quantity. The company achieved record volumes in six of the year's 12 months.
High Demand in the Coming Years
Natural gas remains a crucial part of the European energy mix. Norwegian natural gas has become particularly important for Europe following the cessation of Russian gas deliveries, constituting 30 percent of Europe's natural gas imports and approximately nine percent of its total energy consumption.
"The gas volumes from the Norwegian continental shelf are at similarly high levels as all imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) via ships to Europe. Norwegian natural gas is stable, safe, and available, and has low emissions compared to the gas that comes via ships. At the same time, we know that the volumes on the Norwegian continental shelf will decline over time. To maintain the current delivery level to Europe, we depend on new discoveries on the Norwegian continental shelf," says Leversund.
Volumes Delivered by Market
| Market | Transported Volume 2024 (BCM) | 2023 (BCM) |
| Germany/Denmark** | 56 | 56 |
| United Kingdom | 30 | 24 |
| France | 16 | 14 |
| Belgium | 16 | 15 |
All figures are given in BCM (billion cubic meters).
*A branch to Denmark from Europipe II (the pipeline that goes directly to Germany) was opened in 2021, increasing capacity for both exit points. These volumes are exchanged to maximize total delivery, and volumes to Denmark are made available for new markets, including Germany. Therefore, these volumes are counted together in our delivery statistics.