The Dutch government is considering changing third-party access (TPA) rules for the country s three planned LNG import terminals to boost gas trading in the Netherlands. According to a spokesman, the Economic Affairs Ministry is considering tabling the topic in Parliament in the coming month, a move that could see TPA rules changed from negotiated to regulated. It is a matter of how far the government will go , the spokesman told Heren Energy.
Significance: Under current rules, operators of LNG terminals can be exempted from TPA by applying for negotiated TPA. By contrast, current Dutch gas law provides regulated access to grid and distribution facilities. The move is being driven by the Dutch government desire for the Netherlands to become a key trading hub for Europe. The Netherlands currently has no operational LNG terminals, but two are planned in Rotterdam, Gas and Lion Gas operated by Gasunie (jointly with Vopak) and 4Gas respectively, and a third at Eemshaven planned by ConocoPhillips and Dutch utility Essent.
Significance: Under current rules, operators of LNG terminals can be exempted from TPA by applying for negotiated TPA. By contrast, current Dutch gas law provides regulated access to grid and distribution facilities. The move is being driven by the Dutch government desire for the Netherlands to become a key trading hub for Europe. The Netherlands currently has no operational LNG terminals, but two are planned in Rotterdam, Gas and Lion Gas operated by Gasunie (jointly with Vopak) and 4Gas respectively, and a third at Eemshaven planned by ConocoPhillips and Dutch utility Essent.