Table of Contents
Introduction
LNG also know as Liquified Natural Gas is one of the most important energy source in the globe. As the modern world grows at a faster rate like never before the demand for clean and green energy is on the rise, the demand for Liquified Natural Gas [ LNG ] is also on the rise. As the global energy consumption shifts towards clean and green fuel, LNG pitches in to fill this gap.
LNG helps in meeting all the global energy demands while reducing the emission rates when compared to traditional fossil fuels. This article provides you with the complete over view of Natural Gas from its production to it applications and its impact on global market.
What Is Liquified Natural Gas ?
LNG is nothing but Natural Gas that has been cooled to liquid state at around ( -163 Degree Celsius ). LNG is almost 600 times more denser than gaseous state ( Natural Gas ) which makes it much more easier to transport and store .
Natural Gas is found along with oil deposits deep within earths surface, natural gas mainly consists of Methane ( CH4 ) along with other impurities like sulfur, carbon-di-oxide. Before liquifying the natural gas, impurities are removed during the refining process.
If you look at the history of LNG, this is not a new concept. LNG is in use since 1960’s but due to the advancement in technologies and processes LNG has become very efficient is the recent decades making it one of the most important source of energy throughout the globe.
Process Of Liquified Natural Gas Production
The production of Liquified Natural Gas involves several processes starting from extraction of natural gas from deep underground reservoirs. After the extraction the natural gas it is transported via pipelines to the nearby processing facilities. In these facilities the natural gas is purified by removing all the impurities like Carbon – Di – Oxide and Sulfur.
Once the natural gas is purified, it is cooled at temperature around (-162 degree Celsius ) using sophisticated refrigeration technology. The cooling process actually reduces the gas volume and allows it to be stored in liquid form making it very convenient for long distance transportation.
Liquified Natural is store in insulated tanks which are then loaded on the transportation ships which have well equipped cryogenic tanks designed to keep the LNG at very low temperatures during long distance travel.
Transportation Of Liquified Natural Gas
One of the biggest advantages of LNG is that i can be easily transported over long distances by sea routes. Pipelines and pipeline infrastructure can be be introduced at all places and countries due to various complexities and other issues. So we have LNG transportation ships and carriers, these are massive ships with latest cryogenic technologies used to transport LNG over long distances maintaining gas in its liquid state.
Once the LNG ship reaches the destined port, the LNG is unloaded and stored in specialized tanks. The next step involves regasification of LNG to its gaseous state or natural gas, which is then distributed using pipelines for residential heating purposes, electricity generation and other purposes.
LNG Applications
Liquified Natural Gas has a variety of applications across various sectors due to its efficiency and great versatility. Lets discuss some of the application of Liquified Natural Gas.
Electricity Generation
Liquified Natural Gas is used as fuel for power plants that generate electricity. When compared to coal and oil, natural gas has less emissions making it a powerful competitor when comes to clean energy alternative.
Residential Heating
Liquified Natural Gas is used as heating source for residential home heating. This is a very valuable source where natural gas cannot be be transported using pipeline infrastructure.
Transportation
Recently LNG is being used as an alternative fuel for heavy duty vehicles such as bus, trucks and ships. As the modern world moves towards reduced carbon emission in transportation sector, LNG plays a critical role here in fulfilling this gap.
Benefits Of Using Liquified Natural Gas
One of the biggest benefits of using LNG is environmental benefits due to its low carbon emission when compared to other fossil fuels like coal. LNG emits less carbon and sulfur when compared to other fossil fuels hence making it a clean burning fuel.
Further to add on this, LNG helps countries to reduce their dependency on coal and other fossil fuels which are carbon intensive energy resources. If countries start substituting these energies with natural gas they can make a great progress in reducing Green House Gas emissions thus improving air quality and meeting global climate goals .
However some environmental activists argue that there may some leaks of Methane during extraction and transportation of natural gas, since Methane is a potent Greenhouse Gas. However, efforts to minimize methane emission and continues improvement of production processes are very much crucial to ensure that LNG continuous to be a sustainable source of energy.
Global Liquified Natural Gas Market
The global demand for LNG has rapidly increased in the recent years due to higher demand for clean fuel. Major LNG exporters include countries like Qatar, United States Of America, Russia and Australia. And bigger importers include European countries, Japan & South Korea.
Increased investments in LNG infrastructure has not only helped in stream lining the process but also help facilitate global trade of LNG.
The LNG market is highly dynamic and is greatly influenced by government energy policies, innovations, geopolitical changes and cost prices. As the world moves towards green and clean energy the role of Natural Gas & Liquified Natural Gas in the global energy mix is expected to increase.
Conclusion
As global markets continue to evolve rapidly, LNG will be a king maker in the energy market offering cleaner alternative than coal. Also LNG will play a significant role in ensuring security, economic growth and addressing environmental challenges.
To read more on LNG, please click on the following link – More on LNG.
To read more on If Natural Gas is Renewable, read the following article – Is Natural Gas Renewable ?
Hope you enjoyed reading the article and understood what Liquified Natural Gas [ LNG ] is.
Thank You 🙂