The demand for liquified natural gas (LNG) is rising. This transportation method for natural gas is complex, as it involves cooling the gas to -161oC (-259F), shipping it in specially designed vessels and regasifying it in dedicated terminals, before it reaches the customer.
But its use is increasing, because it allows gas to be transported from a wider range of producers to a wider range of buyers than would be possible using existing pipelines.
Natural gas is an attractive option for many uses including heating, cooling, electricity generation and production of industrial materials (such as steel and concrete). Estimates vary as to its emission savings in comparison with coal, but there is agreement that it also involves lower emissions of particulates and pollutants such as sulphur dioxide or mercury.