What is a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plant?

Natural gas is one of the world’s most important sources of energy.


Today approximately 30% of the world's energy demand is derived from natural gas. The majority of natural gas is delivered by pipeline in gaseous form.

Liquefied natural gas is an odorless, colorless, non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-flammable form of methane. As fuels go, it's pretty cool.


LNG touches only a small portion of the world's gas supply, but it's the fastest-growing portion. 

Since 2000, global demand for LNG has grown 140 percent and now accounts for roughly 10 percent of the methane consumed worldwide. The rest moves to market by pipeline.

Natural gas and LNG in particular is expected to play an essential role in the world’s transition to cleaner sources of energy.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plant

An LNG plant refines natural gas obtained from deep within the earth and condenses it into a pure, concentrated, efficient form of energy. 
During the process, ‘impurities’ such as small amounts of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, are removed. 
When refined, it is almost pure methane— one of the most efficient sources of energy.

Advantages of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

• It makes it possible to use natural gas in areas where natural gas is not available via the national delivery network or municipal distribution system.

• It is a more economic source of energy when compared to black products (fuel oil and diesel) and LPG.

• It is suitable for consumer purposes such as process, steam recovery, heating and cooking in sectors like tourism, steel, paper and ceramic.

• Because of it high energy content, the total amount of energy needed is reduced.

• It expands 600 times to reach its gaseous state (1 unit of LNG = 600 units of natural gas).

• A large amount of natural gas can be stored and transported at low pressure.

• It can be used in all burning devices by making minor changes.

• Because it is a clean fuel, it contributes to improved product quality and reduces maintenance costs.

However, in the past two decades Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) have become much more important in the world's energy market. LNG is exported from 19 countries. 

In recent years, LNG production processes and LNG usages are becoming diverse with new technologies for gas field development and increase of LNG demand.