Introduction
 December
14, 2006, Zeus is hosting a workshop to discuss
when the United States will begin to see increases
in LNG imports. Numerous forecasts have predicted
greatly expanded volumes by 2010, but imports
are remaining flat. See the chart to the right.
Since July 2004, the number of cargoes imported
into the United States has fallen from a high
of 28 to just 12 in March 2006. Some 17 were imported
in August. Several reasons have been cited, including
shortage of supply and low U.S. gas prices relative
to competing markets in Europe and Asia.
The key question is whether this is a temporary
lull towards much greater volumes - "about 11
billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) of LNG supply
by 2010," according to one forecaster - or a sign
that these predictions were unrealistic.
To address these questions, several highly regarded
analysts from such firms as McKinsey & Company,
Fearnleys, Levitan, Ziff Energy and Zeus Development
will discuss six factors: (1) strength of demand
in Europe and Asia; (2) weather trends; (3) U.S.
domestic production, especially unconventional
production from shale, tight sands and coal beds
and the Gulf of Mexico; (4) new LNG supply-chain
timing; (5) changing expectations of gas-exporting
governments; and (6) U.S. regulations that discourage
or prevent U.S. power producers from entering
long-term take-or-pay contracts the way European
buyers can.
For each, the conference will consider the current
situation, the magnitude of its impact, the duration,
and signals that might indicate a shift. We invite
you to participate in this important meeting.
Early registration is $697. |
