In the case of Europe, which already imports almost half of its gas, demand is expected to grow to 80 billion cubic feet per day by 2030 from 60 billion cubic feet today. Domestic production is expected to fall by 40% so imports will play an ever more prominent role.
"The Middle East, which holds 40% of the world's gas resources, is likely to play a role in filling the European gas supply gap,"
said Mr. Mills.
According to Mr Mills, the possible addition of Iraqi supplies to global trade flows could be a game changer - gas from Iraq could find its way to Europe through a number of routes.
Mr Mills added: "Countries like Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Syria could play a key role in facilitating the transit of that gas and stand to benefit from doing so.
Mr Mills noted that Shell is working with Syrian and Iraqi governments to develop gas master plans for their respective countries.
In addition, Mr Mills identified three key requirements for being a successful energy transit hub. First, allowing direct contractual links between the energy supplier and the customer rather than seeking too active a broker role. Second, ensuring security of supply for customers combined with security of demand for suppliers. Finally, offering competitive transit tariffs. This will provide transit countries with transit revenues and also ensure that countries in the region have supplies to meet their own domestic demand.
"Companies like Shell can play a role in realising this potential," Mr Mills said. "With our knowledge of global and regional dynamics and extensive experience in the industry we are ideally placed to help find and develop the gas and structure the deals to make this all happen."
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Posted by Eman Hassan
