Game changer LNG

I believe that we really will see significant growth in the LNG sector. After all, I think that LNG is a bridge technology that will help us on our way to an integrated, environmentally friendly hydrogen economy. When it comes to a carbon-neutral economy, LNG will play a significant role. LNG emits fewer emissions than marine diesel or heavy fuel oil, for instance, and can be considered the cleanest fossil fuel. As well as yielding significant CO2 savings, it also produces fewer nitrogen oxide emissions.

Currently, major investments are primarily being made in liquefaction – i.e. the countries and regions with sizeable gas deposits – and on the receiving end, where investments in regasification are required. When it comes to liquefaction systems, we must mention North America and the USA in particular. Here, large sums are being invested as top priorities. As well as the USA, producing countries such as Russia, Australia and, of course, Qatar are also worth discussing. Europe and Asia are especially important on the consumer side and therefore for regasification systems.

The potential applications of LNG vary widely. In principle, it can be used anywhere that conventional energy sources are used, i.e. to generate heat, or as a fuel for shipping or trucks, for example. Of course, LNG is also used as a fuel in the process industry, such as for thermal processes.

The potential hazards of LNG exist anywhere that the gas could escape from LNG terminals during the liquefaction or regasification process. As well as the explosion hazard present if it escapes, of course, there is also the risk of frostbite, as the gas must be drastically cooled for liquefaction.