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Over the last decade, developments could be observed in the structure of primary energy consumption in EU countries. In order to achieve the goals, energy carriers with minimum impact on the natural environment are used, and natural gas is considered to be such a fuel. The share of natural gas in the EU’s energy balance in the analysed period, from 2000 to 2016, remained at a relatively stable level. However, in the case of individual countries, its share in the energy balance depends on specific characteristics of a country. Regardless of the share of natural gas in the energy consumption structure of individual countries, they strive to diversify the supply of natural gas. One of the main constituents of natural gas supply diversification is the construction of LNG import terminals. Access to this infrastructure enhances energy security and offers better opportunities when negotiating long-term contracts for the supply of natural gas. The EU possesses significant possibilities of importing natural gas through LNG terminals, but until now they have been used to a limited extent, it may indicate that in addition todiversification tasks, terminals are a guarantee in the event ofinterruptions in gas supplies using gas pipelines.

Natural gas transmission is strongly connected with fire and explosion safety. Generally, explosion hazard occurs, when at least 5% of natural gas is present in the atmospheric air. As high-pressure gas transmission infrastructure includes many potential sources of gas releases, both operational and accidental, many different cases should be considered. To properly face the potential hazard of explosive atmosphere formation, the hazardous zone should be estimated. There are some guidelines, describing the process of hazardous zones calculating. This paper compares calculations of such hazardous based on Polish and European standards which are also valid in Poland. Calculations are focused on releases that may occur on the safety block and relief valve systems.