Residential energy demand — the evolution and future potential of natural gas in Western Europe

Abstract

Natural gas demand in Western Europe has grown substantially since the early 1960s. In 1960, natural gas accounted for only 2% of the total primary energy consumption in the region. Initially, natural gas was used in the industrial sector, and in countries with indigenous supplies, i.e. in the Netherlands and the UK. Additional discoveries in the North Sea, and the first oil price shock in the early 1970s made natural gas more attractive as an energy supply for many potential users. Distribution first developed in countries where there were existing town gas networks, e.g. the UK and Italy. In other countries, the construction of new networks was a condition for the introduction of natural gas. Both interregional and international trade accelerated in Western Europe. In the early 1980s, natural gas demand continued to grow, but at a slower rate than in the 1970s. By 1986, natural gas represented over 15% of the primary energy consumption in Western Europe.