What Is Natural Gas and Why Does Europe Need It?

Natural gas explainer A2 level

Natural gas is a fuel. It is found underground.

We use natural gas to heat our homes and cook our food. We also use it to make electricity.

Natural gas is very common in Europe. In the winter, Europe uses a lot of gas to keep homes warm.

In the summer, Europe uses less gas. So Europe stores gas in summer.

This is called gas storage. Right now, Europe does not have much gas in storage.

The storage is only 28% full. This is a problem because winter will come again.

Where does Europe get its gas? From Norway, from the sea under Europe, and from ships carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG).

LNG is gas that is cooled until it becomes liquid. You can transport it on ships.

Europe also used to get gas from Russia. But Europe stopped buying Russian gas because of the war in Ukraine.

Now there is a new problem: the Strait of Hormuz near Iran is dangerous for gas ships. So less LNG is arriving in Europe.