Sines LNG terminal achieves record share in Portugal's natural gas supply

The Sines LNG terminal, operated by REN – Redes Energéticas Nacionais, has established itself as a critical cornerstone in Portugal's natural gas supply network. In 2024, 98% of the National Gas System supply was delivered through the Sines Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal via maritime routes, with the remaining 2% coming through the interconnection with Spain. This share has been steadily increasing since reaching 94%, in 2023. Last year saw 53 vessel operations, with LNG shipments primarily sourced from Nigeria and the United States, accounting for 52% and 40% of national supply, respectively. 
 
Supply through the Sines Terminal contributed 93% of total inputs into the Portuguese National Gas Transmission Network, setting a new record, when compared to the 91% registered in 2022 and 2023.

Last year, natural gas market consumption totalled 40.6 TWh, representing a 17% decrease, when compared to 2023, marking the lowest annual consumption since 2003. The electricity production segment continued its downward trend, showing a substantial decrease of 56%, while the conventional segment, which encompasses all other consumers, recorded a year-on-year growth of 2% – being the first positive growth after four consecutive years of declining consumption.

The LNG Terminal is operated by REN Atlântico, which manages the reception of LNG, its storage in the facility's tanks for subsequent regasification, injection into the transmission network and the loading of tanker trucks for UAG supply. REN is responsible for the high-pressure transmission of natural gas and for the overall technical management of the National Natural Gas System, thus ensuring the reception, storage and regasification of LNG, as well as the underground storage of natural gas, under concession contracts signed with the Portuguese Government until 2046.