Clean Energy Revolution
Ethan Sullivan
| 09-11-2023
· Science Team
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), primarily composed of methane, stands out as one of the cleanest fossil energy sources available today.
It possesses several remarkable attributes, being colorless, odorless, non-toxic, and non-corrosive.
LNG also exhibits exceptional density characteristics, occupying only 1/625th of the volume of the same amount of gaseous natural gas while weighing merely 45% of the equivalent volume of water.
The manufacturing process of LNG commences with the purification and treatment of natural gas extracted from gas fields. Subsequently, a series of ultra-low-temperature liquefaction processes are employed, resulting in the transformation of the gas into a liquid form.
LNG is stored in cryogenic tanks at approximately -161.5 degrees Celsius and roughly 0.1 MPa.
Acknowledged as the cleanest fossil fuel, LNG is rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing energy sectors globally. Environmentally conscious nations worldwide are actively endorsing LNG usage.
Besides serving as a fuel for power plants, factories, and households, the methane in LNG can be utilized as a chemical raw material for manufacturing fertilizers, methanol solvents, and synthetic acids.
Additionally, the ethane and propane present in LNG can be processed to generate ethylene and propylene, which constitute vital raw materials for the production of plastic goods.
Moreover, during the conversion of ultra-low-temperature LNG from a gaseous state to room temperature, substantial cold energy is released.
This cold energy can be harnessed for a wide range of low-temperature applications, including air separation for the production of liquid oxygen, liquid ammonia, liquefied carbon dioxide, dry ice manufacturing, power generation using cold energy, manufacturing frozen food, cryogenic processing of rubber, plastics, and industrial waste, as well as seawater desalination.
The global trend of transitioning to clean energy has propelled the development and utilization of natural gas. Many energy-consuming nations now prioritize LNG projects to diversify their energy sources and enhance energy consumption structures. Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Europe have all invested in large-scale LNG receiving terminals.
Major international oil companies have also ventured into the LNG sector as a new avenue for profit growth.
LNG offers an array of advantages, including high energy efficiency, economic viability, and environmental friendliness.
In power generation, natural gas exhibits an efficiency rate of 55%, surpassing coal. This is particularly beneficial for industries where efficient energy usage is paramount. Japan, as a prime example, is a major exporter of LNG and employs over 75% of its LNG imports for power generation.
In South Korea, the power industry is the largest consumer of LNG, utilizing more than half of the nation's total LNG imports.
Globally, there has been a significant expansion in natural gas infrastructure and combined-cycle power stations. In recent years, the United States has expressed a strong commitment to natural gas power generation, with plans to add nearly 90% of new power generation capacity using natural gas.
This strategic shift is anticipated to increase the proportion of natural gas-fired power generation in the United States to 33%. Combined-cycle power stations have gained prominence for their efficiency, mobility, and eco-friendliness, with gas turbines accounting for about two-thirds of the total electricity output.
Furthermore, these power stations offer quick start-up times and can serve both as basic load and peaking power sources.
LNG represents an eco-conscious and efficient energy source with multifaceted applications, making it a pivotal player in the global energy landscape. Its expansion is set to revolutionize the energy industry by offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative.