What is LNG?

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is greener than any other conventional fuel, highly cost-efficient and cool in the most literal sense of the word.

illustration of molecule methan being cooled down to liquefied natural gas

LNG is natural gas in its liquid form. Cooling down the gas below its boiling point to -162°C (-259°F), which happens through a process known as liquefaction, makes it a clear, odourless, colourless, non-toxic and non-corrosive liquid. This transformation also decreases its volume 600 times, making it an easier and more cost-efficient fuel to transport over long distances. 

  • The chemistry behind it all

    Natural gas is composed of primarily methane (CH4). Methane is a greenhouse gas like CO2 and is 25 times more harmful if emitted to the atmosphere. However, burning of natural gas is cleaner than with any other oil-based fuels. No matter the material state, natural gas contains less carbon, which is why the CO2 emissions from its combustion are lower, and particulate matter and other greenhouse gas emissions like sulphur oxides (SOX) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) also are significantly reduced. As a result, LNG can be seen as one of the most environmentally friendly fuels in the market.

  • LNG vs. conventional fuels

    In comparison with for instance diesel and conventional marine fuel such as heavy fuel oil (HFO), especially the SOX emissions from natural gas are a lot lower – 100% lower compared to HFO and 99% lower compared to diesel. But, natural gas also emits 90% less NOX than HFO and 75-95% less than diesel. When it comes to LNG’s CO2 footprint, it is reduced by 25% compared to HFO and 20-30% compared to diesel. And as for particulate matter, natural gas also reduces such emissions by 99% in comparison with conventional marine fuel.

image of a harbour with several trucks with containers and a container ship

Where does it come from, and how can it be used?

Natural gas is extracted from underground wells. Before it can be used as a responsible fuel, the gas must undergo various processes to remove impurities and heavy hydrocarbons. After these processes the gas is ready for the liquefaction – cooling it down until it liquefies. Specially designed LNG carriers and insulated tank trucks then transport the gas to its destination, where it is usually returned to the vapour state at a regasification plant or used as a responsible fuel for ships and trucks.

  • No contamination in case of a spill

    Since it is composed primarily of methane (around 90%), LNG is odourless, colourless, non-toxic and non-corrosive. If spilled, it instantly evaporates and dissipates into the atmosphere, leaving no residue to be cleaned up. Also, if spilled on water, LNG will float and then evaporate without having any ill effects on the ocean’s ecosystem.

  • How can more people gain acces to LNG?

    Small-scale liquefaction plants can move the production of LNG closer to the place of consumption. Not only will this decrease transportation costs and LNG product costs for consumers, it will also make it possible for businesses and communities without access to the gas grid to benefit from using natural gas. Small-scale LNG plants can also help adjust the availability of natural gas to the seasonal fluctuations in demand.

How does LNG benefit people and planet?

The general reduction of harmful pollutants means that switching to this responsible energy solution will have a positive impact on both human and planetary health. Also, unlike diesel and HFO, LNG does not require extensive clean-up in the unlucky situation of a spill. The natural gas simply evaporates and dissipates into the atmosphere, leaving no residue whatsoever in water or on soil to the benefit of surrounding ecosystems and water systems. As for costs, LNG is also simpler and more economical to produce than other conventional fuels. Its price is therefore more stable, enabling businesses to more accurately forecast energy costs.  

With its clean burning, low CO2 content and ease of transportation, LNG is an effective energy choice for businesses that are concerned about both costs and sustainability.

More knowledge sharing

  • illustration of manure and a biogas plant

    What is LBG?

    Liquefied biogas (LBG) is a highly compact and effective energy source that is already a part of the carbon circulation. It burns cleanly and helps protect our climate – simply a responsible fuel.

    Learn more about LBG

  • illustration of a green planet earth

    Why choose LNG/LBG?

    LNG and LBG are both cleaner and more cost-efficient than oil-based fuels. They are better for the people, planet and profit and therefore sustainable energy choices in every way.

    Make the choice

  • illustration of a lng ship

    Switching to LNG/LBG

    Are you considering to switch to LNG or LBG? We can help you all the way – making the transition from your current energy source to our liquefied green gas solutions very easy and painless.

    How to make the switch

Get in touch with MAKEEN Cryo

We have taken up the mission of developing innovative small-scale liquefied green gas solutions.

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