France's main gas transmission network operator GRTgaz has released preliminary gas consumption statistics for 2016, indicating a 9.9% increase in gross gas consumption on its distribution network (5.7 % rise when corrected for climatic effects) after two years of particularly mild temperatures. In 2016, total gross consumption reached 463 TWh.
The 9.9% increase is related to a 118% increase in the consumption of gas-fired power plants, as colder weather raised electricity demand and as gas prices remained low over 2016. Meanwhile, the demand from industrial users remained stable around 125 TWh. Gas consumption on the distribution network (smaller consumers) increased by 6.4% in 2016 (-0.1% when corrected for climatic effects).
Gas pipeline imports in northern France helped meet rising demand (+24 TWh from Germany, despite a 10 TWh decrease from Belgium) and LNG imports increased by 14 TWh (+7 TWh at the Montoire LNG terminal) after a historical low in 2015.