The role of natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) in transforming Europe's energy sector and strengthening Europe's energy security is crucial. This was confirmed at the LNG Forum organized by the U.S. Embassy in Prague, MET Group, MET Czech Republic and Commonwealth LNG.
The forum emphasized the strategic importance of American LNG in strengthening the energy security of Europe and the Czech Republic, as well as its benefits for price stability. It also highlighted the role of MET Group and MET Czech Republic as a significant European LNG supplier, having already delivered two LNG cargoes to an important Czech customer and planning to deliver more this year.
The LNG Forum was attended by more than 40 representatives of major Czech companies and customers of MET Czech Republic. During the panel discussion, which included representatives from MET Group, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and NET4GAS (the gas system operator in the Czech Republic), several important messages were conveyed.
Importance of LNG for the Czech Republic
Petr Binhack, Director of the Department of Strategy and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, stressed that natural gas would continue to be an important part of the European energy mix due to decarbonization, and more gas capacity will be needed for the heating sector and electricity generation, especially in countries phasing out coal. According to him, American LNG plays a vital role in diversifying the energy sources of the Czech Republic, which was 100% dependent on Russian gas until 2022.
For the Czech Republic, it is essential to have terminals and pipelines to access a global liquid LNG market. "It is ideal to have more than one route, connected to more than one LNG terminal. I think all these aspects strongly support the importance of American LNG for the present and future of the Czech Republic," said Petr Binhack.
American supplies accounted for 45% of the total 100 billion m³ imported into the EU in 2024, making the USA the largest gas supplier to Europe. "This shows that this commodity is very competitive," said Vladimír Čermák from NET4GAS, adding that LNG from the USA is changing the logic of trading and the way price differences develop.
The European market has ceased to be an isolated system and has become part of the global natural gas market. "When we talk about American energy in the form of LNG, American LNG means freedom of choice," Čermák added. Customers can choose a supplier that meets their requirements, price expectations, and desired flexibility.
According to him, the Czech gas infrastructure is ready to handle larger and more diverse flows of natural gas, including regasified LNG from the USA. "Our transit role will be restored, and we will transport certain volumes from west to east," said Vladimír Čermák, noting that at the entry point will mainly be American LNG, as Norwegian suppliers are already fully utilized.
MET Group and Henry Hub index
MET Group was represented at the forum by Luis Sánchez, Head of LNG, and Pavel Balada, CEO of MET Czech Republic.
According to Pavel Balada, American energy plays a vital role in stabilizing energy prices in Europe and ensuring supply stability, which is absolutely key after the last few years. He recalled that during the 2022-2023 energy crisis, European markets experienced extreme price volatility. Prices on European spot markets rose to levels that no one had previously imagined. However, prices tied to the American Henry Hub did not face such fluctuations.
"If a Czech customer had signed a contract with us in 2022 based on Henry Hub prices, they would have significantly saved on their gas bills. Their payments would have reflected a more stable development according to the American index, compared to significant price shocks within the TTF (European index). We can offer our industrial sector customers long-term supply conditions tied to the Henry Hub index," highlighted Pavel Balada.
According to Luis Sánchez, any news today impacts the TTF. "TTF volatility is enormous, while Henry Hub is much more stable," he added. Sánchez also stated that American LNG has completely changed the business environment, brought a new approach, and has changed the rules of the game.
Once American LNG capacities reach their full potential and the USA produces 260 billion m³ annually, there will be greater linkage to the Henry Hub index in Europe, according to Sánchez. "Today it may be difficult because many are afraid to be the first, but being the first often brings advantages, including interesting business opportunities," he said.
In particular, larger Czech industrial enterprises have experienced situations over the past three to four years where they did not fix their prices and subsequently suffered from extremely high gas prices. Approximately 36% of the total gas consumption in the Czech Republic is attributed to these industrial enterprises. In export markets, these companies compete with global competitors.
"If they want to compete with companies from other markets, including American companies, it is ideal for them to have a similar way of purchasing gas, i.e., comparable pricing. This allows them to remain competitive on a global level. Moreover, to avoid high volatility that may come again due to geopolitical tensions, American LNG is a form of hedge against these fluctuations," explained Balada.
Record LNG Exports from the USA
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, LNG exports from the USA are expected to reach record levels in 2025, with an average of nearly 153 billion cubic meters per year. Arlene Fetizanan, Energy Attaché and Director of the European Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Energy, stated that the American industry is also developing new projects, and LNG exports from the USA continue to gain momentum thanks to several projects that are under construction or already operational.
The capacity of LNG exports from the USA is expected to nearly double between 2020 and 2030. For comparison, a record 123 billion cubic meters were exported in 2024. Record LNG exports from the USA to Europe in the first three months of 2025 only confirmed this growing trend.
