The 10 Countries Sitting On A Huge Fortune Of Natural Gas

turkmenistan gas field
EIA

The nuclear disaster in Japan called has called into review the use of nuclear power, and many countries are looking into alternative forms of energy.

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Japan is already the world's biggest buyer of liquefied natural gas, and global primary gas demand is expected to reach 5.1 trillion cubic meters in 2035, up from, 3.3 tcm today. Much of this is set to come from non-OECD countries that will account for almost 80% of the increase in demand between 2010 and 2035, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The report also suggests that production would need to increase to three times the current production levels in Russia, to meet gas demand in 2035. With that in mind we've highlighted the 10 countries with largest natural gas proved reserves.

Note: The data on reserves is based on 2010 estimates from the CIA World Factbook.

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#10 Algeria

qatar gas field
Ministry of Energy and Mining

Proven reserves: 4.5 trillion cubic meters

Algeria accounts for 2.37% of all proven natural gas reserves.

Source: The World Factbook

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#9 Venezuela

venezuela natural gas map
Geoalba

Proven reserves: 4.98 trillion cubic meters

Venezuela accounts for 2.62% of all proven natural gas reserves.

Source: The World Factbook

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#8 Nigeria

NIgeria gas field
Mart Resources

Proven reserves: 5.25 trillion cubic meters 

Nigeria accounts for 2.76% of all proven natural gas reserves.

Source: The World Factbook

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#7 UAE

abu dhabi natural gas
Abu Dhabi natural gas field

Proven reserves: 6.07 trillion cubic meters

UAE accounts for 3.19% of all proven natural gas reserves.

Source: The World Factbook

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#6 United States of America

U.S. gas fields
Schlumberger Ltd.

Proven reserves: 6.93 trillion cubic meters

 The U.S. accounts for 3.64% of all proven natural gas reserves.

Source: The World Factbook

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#5 Saudi Arabia

Saudi gas fields
Saudi Aramco

Proven reserves: 7.46 trillion cubic meters

Saudi Arabia accounts for 3.92% of all proven natural gas reserves.

Source: The World Factbook

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#4 Turkmenistan

turkmenistan gas field
EIA

Proven reserves: 7.5 trillion cubic meters

Turkmenistan accounts for 3.95% of all proven natural gas reserves.

Source: The World Factbook

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#3 Qatar

qatar gas field
EIA

Proven reserves: 25.47 trillion cubic meters

Qatar accounts for 13.39% of all proven natural gas reserves.

Source: The World Factbook

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#2 Iran

Iran gas field
Ingepedia

Proven reserves: 29.6 trillion cubic meters

Iran accounts for 15.57% of all proven natural gas reserves.

Source: The World Factbook

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#1 Russia

Russia natural gas map
Russia natural gas pipelines
EIA

Proven reserves: 47.57 trillion cubic meters

Russia accounts for 25.02% of all proven natural gas reserves.

Source: The World Factbook

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Now here are the 10 countries with the biggest oil reserves...

China oil map
Rigzone

Where To Find The Biggest Oil Reserves In The World >

Energy Natural Gas Europe
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