Aenert news. Energy Market & Energy Statistics
In the fourth quarter of 2022, the large-scale changes in the energy balance in the EU countries continued with even greater intensity than in previous periods. The table below shows the annual data from the Eurostat database converted to quarterly figures (Q).
The most dynamic changes took place in the production and consumption of natural gas. The gas consumption in 2022 Q4 was down by more than 21 percent compared to 2021 Q4, despite the fact that compared to 2022 Q3 there was a noticeable increase of 6% and this growth continued for four consecutive months since September 2022. Natural gas imports are down 14% if you compare the last quarters of 2022 and 2021. Gas production is down 4% over the same period.
Equally serious shifts occurred in the power sector. In 2022 Q4, electricity generation and consumption in the EU decreased by almost 9% when compared to 2021 Q4. Electricity imports increased by 4%.
EU energy statistics, natural gas, oil and electricity, 2021 Q4 - 2022 Q4
| Energy Indicator/Q | 2021 Q4 | 2022 Q1 | 2022 Q2 | 2022 Q3 | 2022 Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production of natural gas, TJ | 419604.4 | 444438.7 | 398924.5 | 393775.9 | 402429.4 |
| Total consumption of natural gas, TJ | 4678101.6 | 5031575.9 | 2731639.5 | 2297829.8 | 3674271.7 |
| Imports of natural gas, TJ | 6096187.5 | 6165227.2 | 6296600.5 | 5354419.6 | 5227457.0 |
| Imports of crude oil - 1000t | 118151.8 | 114112.5 | 121560.7 | 123139.2 | 120263.0 |
| Production of electricity - GWh | 720819.0 | 734054.8 | 626573.7 | 623508.5 | 657118.4 |
| Consumption of electricity - GWh | 666648.0 | 678760.7 | 593339.6 | 590200.0 | 608500.0 |
| Imports of electricity - GWh | 105360.4 | 107237.7 | 101260.8 | 103336.0 | 109761.0 |
Source: Based on Eurostat
Perhaps such big changes in the natural gas and electricity market in Europe are primarily caused by the strong movement for improving energy efficiency. But it is also possible that this is also a consequence of a reduction in energy-intensive production due to a sharp decrease in its profitability resulting from high prices for natural gas and electricity. In any case, this is a stressful development for consumers at all levels.
Monthly EU natural gas production and consumption, gas and oil import
Source: Based on Eurostat
Crude oil imports resumed growth in the fourth quarter of 2022, unlike the same quarter last year, when demand for crude oil was noticeably declining.
The figures for electricity are shown as a graph below.
Monthly EU electricity production
Source: Based on Eurostat
In the last quarter of 2022, electricity generation from almost all types of sources increased, including combustible fuel, nuclear, wind and hydro sources. This was especially noticeable for combustible fuel.
Below are comparative charts for 2021 Q4 and 2022 Q3 showing the percentages for the three main types of electricity generation – fossil fuel-based, nuclear, and renewable sources.
Percentage of electric power generation by source type in 2021 Q4 and 2022 Q4
Source: Based on Eurostat
As these charts show, the share of electricity generation by combustible fuel and nuclear decreased by 0.4% and 2.9%, respectively. The share of renewable energy sources increased noticeably – through wind by 1.7%, solar by 1%, and hydro by 0.6%.
By the Editorial Board
