In Uniper’s view, what have been the main LNG market developments and trends over the past year, particularly in Europe?
Poppinga: We have seen how the European LNG market has fundamentally evolved over the past year. The urgent need to reinforce energy security, especially after the decline in Russian pipeline supplies, has transformed Europe into a global LNG demand powerhouse. Our continent’s LNG imports have become essential to maintaining energy stability.
The remarkable pace at which we’ve expanded regasification capacity—such as completing the Wilhelmshaven terminal in less than a year—demonstrates Europe’s determination to improve its infrastructure. At Uniper, we have actively participated by securing diverse LNG cargoes from the US, Norway, Australia, the Middle East and, from 2028, Canada. In fact, our LNG portfolio now handles over 160 cargoes per year, which has been instrumental in mitigating price volatility and reducing dependence on any single supplier.
What can we expect in the year ahead?
Poppinga: Looking ahead, I anticipate that the European LNG landscape will remain robust and highly competitive. Uniper intends to continue to invest in infrastructure to ensure even greater supply security. Uniper has a sales portfolio of around 200TWh.
We also see a growing policy focus on integrating renewables and low-carbon gases, which aligns with our commitment to supporting decarbonisation.
How energy-secure is Europe and how can LNG supply and baseload gas-fired power generation support security?
Poppinga: Europe’s energy security has significantly improved thanks to Uniper’s collective diversification of gas sources and the rapid buildout of LNG infrastructure. LNG now acts as a strategic safeguard, helping us to adapt to rapid market changes. At Uniper, we also recognise the enduring importance of efficient, reliable baseload gas-fired power plants. These assets are essential for balancing the grid as renewables continue to grow. We are committed to making these plants hydrogen-ready and to integrating CCS technologies, as seen in our projects at Connah’s Quay and Killingholme in the UK, to further support European climate goals.
What role is Uniper playing in ensuring both Germany’s and Europe’s energy security?
Poppinga: Ensuring energy security for Germany and Europe is core to Uniper’s mission, and I am proud of our role as Germany’s largest gas midstream operator and a leading European LNG importer. We supply over a fifth of German gas demand and manage around a quarter of the country’s storage capacity—close to 80TWh in Germany, the UK and Austria. Our procurement strategy deliberately avoids over-dependence on any one supplier and draws from a broad, flexible global portfolio. We are strengthening our LNG capabilities by investing in operating gas storage facilities and advancing our fleet of biofuel-ready LNG carriers.
Our vision also encompasses preparing for hydrogen in all its forms—whether green, blue or any kind of colour—by adapting our infrastructure and progressing new projects for hydrogen storage and utilisation, ensuring we are well positioned for the energy transition.
Can you provide a summary of progress at Uniper’s key LNG and gas-fired power generation projects?
Poppinga: Uniper is making tangible progress on several fronts. In LNG, we have signed long-term deals with, for example, Woodside Energy, which will underpin reliable European supply. The speedy construction of Wilhelmshaven, Germany’s first LNG terminal, is a standout achievement. We are investing in hydrogen-ready projects, with Scholven 1 (140MW) and Irsching 6 (300MW) recently commissioned and are working to integrate CCS at Connah’s Quay and Killingholme. In Sweden, we are planning to convert open-cycle turbines to biofuels, targeting 1.7GW by 2026.
How can these investments be future-proofed for the energy transition?
Poppinga: Futureproofing Uniper’s investments is a strategic priority for me as CCO. We focus on making our infrastructure hydrogen-ready, which we expect to allow us to transition smoothly from natural gas to low-carbon alternatives as markets evolve. Our commitment to CCUS ensures that new and existing gas plants can operate with extremely low emissions, in line with EU net-zero ambitions.
With that in mind, we build up the business and have the strategic target of 8GW of ready-to-build-capacity by 2030. Our extensive gas storage network is being tested for hydrogen, supporting the integration of green molecules into the energy mix.
How would you characterise Uniper’s LNG purchase strategy? How can importers strike a balance between the advantages and disadvantages of short-term purchases versus long-term contracts?
Poppinga: In the upcoming wave of LNG oversupply, producers must be more proactive in accommodating LNG buyers. Market dynamics and regulatory uncertainty require commercial structures that go beyond traditional long-term, rigid contracts.
To secure demand and maintain strategic partnerships, suppliers should offer greater flexibility, improved risk sharing and pricing mechanisms that reflect the realities of a rapidly evolving global gas market. And that is what our strategy is about.
Uniper’s LNG procurement strategy is all about security of supply and diversification. Long-term contracts help to ensure price stability and reliable supply—essential for underpinning infrastructure and providing our customers with secure and affordable energy. Our recent agreements with Woodside and Tourmaline showcase how we diversify our supply and manage risk.
As the LNG market grows more flexible and transparent, suppliers need to offer innovative contracts and risk-sharing. These trends ensure long-term competitiveness and stability for all market participants.
This article was originally published in the LNG2026 Show Daily, produced by Petroleum Economist. Click here to read the Show Dailies in full and here to find out more about LNG2026.
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