SUEZ and natural gas
Natural gas is third most commonly used source of energy in the world after oil and coal, and its use is growing significantly. The SUEZ Group has made it a key component of its energy mix because of its flexibility and low levels of CO2 emissions. SUEZ is furthermore developing its activities related to providing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) transported by sea. In order to meet the demand of the energy markets, the SUEZ Group is consequently planning to vigorously boost its construction of LNG terminals in the future. Finally, the SUEZ Group is committed to optimizing the combustion of natural gas to produce heat and electricity, giving precedence to the co-generation approach, particularly in modern projects.
The SUEZ Group's know-how
From the design of power stations to the marketing of natural gas, SUEZ is actively involved in the natural gas value chain. By way of its subsidiaries Electrabel, Tractebel Engineering, Distrigaz and Fluxys, the SUEZ Group designs, builds and operates infrastructures that use natural gas, and manages the trade, transportation and storage of this source of energy. SUEZ Global LNG co-ordinates the global expansion of LNG operations, primarily in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Lastly, the SUEZ Group boasts a series of natural gas co-generation power stations that simultaneously produce electricity and heat. This highly efficient energy production process has a positive impact upon the environment.
Neptune: an LNG terminal off the coast of the United States
Due to start operating in 2009, the Neptune project ? which will work in tandem with the land-based terminal located in Boston - will help meet the growing energy needs of New England and provide the equivalent of the electricity consumed by 1.5 to 3 million households. The Neptune project has several major advantages: it is located 16 km off the US coast, it limits the aesthetic nuisance and reduces the constraints related to urban planning. In addition, the offshore facility has been designed so as to not damage the marine reserve and to avoid the shipping lanes linked to the port of Boston. In addition to providing a huge potential for expansion, the LNG offshore initiative fits perfectly into the SUEZ Group?s energy mix by playing a key role in securing a reliable energy source, while complying with environmental requirements.
Key Figures
Today natural gas represents 47% of the SUEZ Group's energy mix. As of December 31, 2007, the SUEZ Group?s installed production capacity based on natural gas was 25,737 MWe. The SUEZ Group is moreover the leading importer of LNG into the United States; its nine methane gas tankers have a combined capacity of more than 1.25 million m3.