War-induced energy insecurity in Europe: what role for liquefied natural gas after the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine?

This article addresses the issue of energy insecurity in Europe arising from the Russia–Ukraine war, and Europe’s decision to ‘consciously uncouple’ from its use and reliance on Russian gas. After considering the cause and consequences of EU reliance on Russian gas, this article considers the role of floating stor- age and regassification units (FSRUs), vessels designed to store liquefied natural gas (LNG) until needed and then to regassify the LNG directly into the gas pipeline distribution network. This article considers FSRUs in general, and the experiences of Finland and Germany as they diversify away from Russian gas. It also considers the contribution of Croatia’s Krk Terminal in Croatian and Balkan energy security. Finally, this article considers legal issues arising from the rapid deployment of FSRUs, especially in coun- tries with no previous experience of such hazardous facilities.