Natural gas, domestic use, 2004

In addition to net domestic consumption, 687 million Sm³(standard cubic metres) natural gas was used for non-energy purposes, 4 842 million Sm³ was consumed by the energy sector and 7 million Sm³ was converted into other energy bearers. Liquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG), i.e. gases that consist of propane and butane, are not defined as natural gas here and therefore not included. LPG and other energy bearers are described in the Energy accounts and energy balance .

Although the net domestic consumption of natural gas is increasing it still makes up a small proportion of the total domestic use of energy. Last year only 1.2 per cent of the total net consumption of energy was natural gas.

Transport in pipelines most common

Natural gas can be transported in pipelines, as liquefied natural gas (LNG) or as compressed natural gas (CNG). In 2004, 80.1 per cent of the total net domestic use of natural gas was delivered in pipelines. 17.1 per cent was delivered as LNG and 2.8 per cent as CNG.

Manufacturing industries largest consumer

The consumption of natural gas in the manufacturing, mining and quarrying industries amounted to 221 million Sm³ in 2004. This represents 89.2 per cent of the total net consumption of natural gas in Norway. The consumption of natural gas was clearly highest in the manufacture of chemicals, at 144 million Sm³ in 2004.

High production of natural gas

The total production of natural gas amounted to 927 715 GWh in 2004 - the highest level ever recorded. 826 432 GWh was exported and net domestic supply was 101 283 GWh. 75 GWh was converted to other energy bearers. 53 924 GWh was used in the energy sector. 7 647 GWh natural gas represented consumption for non-energy purposes, while 100 GWh was lost in transport and distribution. Net domestic consumption represented 2 762 GWh.

Tables:

• Table 1 Domestic use of natural gas. 2004. Million Sm³
• Table 2 Domestic use of natural gas. 2004. GWh
• Table 3 Supply and consumption of natural gas. 2003 and 2004. GWh
• Table 4 Net consumption of natural gas. 1994-2004. Mill. Sm³