Central and Eastern European countries are increasingly looking to liquified natural gas (LNG) as they aim to ensure energy and supply security in the wake of Europe’s energy crisis and the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. LNG exports to Europe reached an all-time high in 2022, with the European bloc now considering LNG a strategic priority.

Coastal countries in CEE are all determined to increase their terminal and storage capacities, in addition to developing other infrastructure projects. Poland is currently building its second major LNG terminal and aims to enhance regional interconnectivity; Romania is gearing up for its first major LNG investment project with Azerbaijan, while Bulgaria is looking to Turkey’s LNG network. Croatia, another crucial LNG market, is preparing to double its LNG capacity in a move that will likely benefit landlocked regional countries, including Hungary. Post-war, Ukraine could also see its first major LNG project play a key role in the country’s recovery.

In addition to LNG, European interest in hydrogen technology is also rapidly growing. While hydrogen accounts for only 2% of European energy consumption, the EU is determined to increase its role, with CEE countries, including Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, all aiming to be a major part of the region’s hydrogen infrastructure. Below, Aretera provides an introduction into the importance of LNG and hydrogen in Central and Eastern Europe.

Below, Aretera takes a deeper look at the emerging lNG & hydrogen markets in CEE.