Game changer LNG

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the key energy source in the medium-term on the way to carbon neutrality. One main advantage of LNG is its high availability at competitive prices. But even more important are its incredible benefits when it comes to the environment. Compared to crude oil and coal, the harmful emissions generated during combustion of LNG are significantly lower. For this and many other reasons, LNG is becoming more and more attractive. Already in use to generate electricity, this energy source is also considered a future fuel source for ships, lorries and cars. Since renewable energy sources are not yet available in sufficient quantities and at affordable prices, LNG is the interim solution on the way to clean, CO2-neutral energy. Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Senior Vice President Marketing & Innovation, answers three questions about the importance of LNG, areas of application and the potential dangers of liquefied natural gas.

LNG is becoming more and more important. Many people are talking about this decade as a real boom. Do you think this is going to be the case – and why?

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.

At the moment, a range of LNG projects are in the works. Which regions and countries are receiving especially significant investments and why?

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.

In what industries is LNG used and in what sectors will it continue to become more important? What are the potential hazards in these sectors?

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.

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