Why does Poland need a third LNG terminal if it already has import capacity?

While Poland's existing infrastructure meets its domestic demand, a third terminal is designed to serve regional markets. By expanding capacity, Poland can export surplus gas to landlocked neighbors like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Ukraine, helping them phase out Russian gas.

How does this development affect global LNG exporters?

This project creates a highly lucrative, long-term destination for global LNG cargoes, particularly from the United States and Qatar. It increases competition among suppliers and secures Poland's position as a key creditworthy buyer in the global spot and long-term contract markets.

Are there environmental concerns associated with Poland's LNG expansion?

Yes, environmental groups argue that investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure could lock Poland into natural gas dependency for decades, potentially hindering its transition to renewable energy. However, policymakers view gas as a necessary transition fuel to phase out the country's heavy reliance on coal.

Rigzone · June 25, 2026 (Jun 25) · 1 min read

Poland to Build a Third LNG Import Terminal

Analysis

AI-assisted analysis · reviewed by Yuri Kan

Poland is advancing its strategic energy independence by initiating plans for a third Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import terminal, positioning itself as a central energy hub for Central and Eastern Europe. This expansion aims to completely eliminate reliance on Russian pipeline gas while bolstering regional energy security through diversified supply routes. The development underscores a broader European shift toward flexible LNG infrastructure to mitigate geopolitical supply risks.

Key Facts

Poland has officially announced plans to construct its third LNG import terminal to secure its position as a major energy gateway for Central and Eastern Europe.
The new infrastructure will complement Poland's existing regasification capabilities, which include the onshore Lech Kaczyński terminal in Świnoujście and a planned Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) in the Gulf of Gdańsk.
This expansion is designed to facilitate gas transit to landlocked neighboring countries in the region, including Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Ukraine.
The project aligns with Poland's long-term strategy to permanently decouple its energy sector from Russian state-owned suppliers like Gazprom.
The terminal will leverage global LNG supply chains, tapping into major exporters such as the United States, Qatar, and Norway.

Background & Context

Historically, Poland and the wider Central and Eastern European region were heavily dependent on Russian natural gas delivered via the Yamal-Europe pipeline. Following the geopolitical crisis triggered by the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the subsequent sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, Poland accelerated its diversification efforts. The country has successfully utilized its Świnoujście terminal and the Baltic Pipe from Norway to replace Russian volumes, establishing a foundation for this latest infrastructure expansion.

Market Impact

The construction of a third LNG terminal will solidify Poland's role as a regional energy transit hub, shifting the balance of European gas infrastructure away from traditional Western European entry points. This development will increase competition among global LNG suppliers, particularly US exporters, who view Poland as a reliable long-term off-taker. However, the rapid expansion of regasification capacity across Europe raises the risk of future infrastructure overcapacity if regional gas demand declines due to aggressive decarbonization policies.

What to Watch

Market observers should watch for the final investment decision (FID), commercial tenders for capacity allocation, and the specific technical configuration of the terminal, such as whether it will be an onshore facility or another FSRU. Additionally, the timeline for connecting pipeline infrastructure to neighboring countries will be critical in determining how quickly Poland can monetize its expanded import capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Poland need a third LNG terminal if it already has import capacity?: While Poland's existing infrastructure meets its domestic demand, a third terminal is designed to serve regional markets. By expanding capacity, Poland can export surplus gas to landlocked neighbors like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Ukraine, helping them phase out Russian gas.
How does this development affect global LNG exporters?: This project creates a highly lucrative, long-term destination for global LNG cargoes, particularly from the United States and Qatar. It increases competition among suppliers and secures Poland's position as a key creditworthy buyer in the global spot and long-term contract markets.
Are there environmental concerns associated with Poland's LNG expansion?: Yes, environmental groups argue that investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure could lock Poland into natural gas dependency for decades, potentially hindering its transition to renewable energy. However, policymakers view gas as a necessary transition fuel to phase out the country's heavy reliance on coal.

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