Comparative GHG intensity of Danish offshore natural gas, LNG and coal

A study for Dansk Offshore compares the greenhouse gas emissions of Danish offshore natural gas, imported LNG and coal across their full value chains, from production and transport through to combustion. In absolute terms, Danish offshore gas emits 61.4 g CO₂e/MJ, compared to 69.9 g CO₂e/MJ for imported LNG and 101.9 g CO₂e/MJ for coal.

When combustion is excluded and only production and transport are considered, the differences are more pronounced. Danish gas emits 5.3 g CO₂e/MJ, against 12–17 g CO₂e/MJ for imported LNG and 5.6–7.9 g CO₂e/MJ for coal. Liquefaction and long-distance shipping are identified as the main contributors to the higher GHG intensity of LNG.

The analysis is based on operator-reported data from TotalEnergies and INEOS, IEA/EDGAR, EPA, and satellite-based methane observations from the TROPOMI instrument. Where sources diverged, data most consistent with satellite observations were used.

The study also considers the impact of the redeveloped Tyra Centre, where new facilities came on stream in 2024. Normalised well-to-tank emissions are projected to decrease by approximately 25% by 2026, from 5.3 to 4.0 g CO₂e/MJ.