BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 22. In 3Q2024, the top 10 gas-consuming countries in the EU accounted for the bulk of the bloc’s gas demand. These nations' trends highlighted growth and decline, reflecting national energy policies, economic conditions, and seasonal factors.
As such, according to the data obtained by Trend from the European Commission, the breakdown of the top 10 gas consumers in the EU is as follows:
1. Germany
Consumption: +7% year-on-year (688 mcm increase in volume)
Germany remains the EU’s largest gas consumer, with demand driven by industrial activities and energy needs for heating and manufacturing.
2. Italy
Consumption: +6% year-on-year (356 mcm increase in volume)
Italy experienced growth as industries recovered and economic activity rebounded.
3. Poland
Consumption: +10% year-on-year (454 mcm increase in volume)
Poland saw robust growth in gas consumption, reflecting increased usage in the energy sector and residential heating.
4. France
Consumption: -20% quarter-on-quarter
France showed a notable quarter-on-quarter decline, aligning with seasonal patterns and increased reliance on renewable energy.
5. The Netherlands
Consumption: -8% year-on-year
Gas demand in the Netherlands continued its downward trend due to significant investments in renewables and energy efficiency.
6. Spain
Consumption: -11% year-on-year
Spain’s reduced demand is attributed to warmer weather and lower energy needs for residential heating.
7. Belgium
Consumption: +4% year-on-year
Belgium showed modest growth in demand, driven by industrial activities.
8. Sweden
Consumption: +7% year-on-year
Sweden experienced growth due to increased usage in industrial applications and a rebound in gas-fired electricity generation.
9. Austria
Consumption: +6% year-on-year
Austria’s demand rose, largely due to colder weather conditions compared to the previous year.
10. Hungary
Consumption: +12% quarter-on-quarter
Hungary’s quarterly increase reflected a seasonal uptick in gas use, coupled with rising industrial needs.
The contrasting trends across the EU’s member states underline the region’s ongoing energy transition. While some countries are increasing gas consumption to meet economic and industrial demands, others are rapidly cutting back as renewable energy adoption accelerates. This divergence reflects the complex and evolving nature of the EU’s energy landscape.
