NGS’ NG/LNG SNAPSHOT – Sept1-15, 2021
National News Internatonal News
NATIONAL NEWS
City Gas Distribution & Auto LPG
Better CNG supply helps ply 25 more buses in Nashik
The improvement in CNG supply has helped the Nashik Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (NMPML) ply 25 more buses on different routes. NMPML, a transport wing of the Nashik Municipal Corporation, rolled out the city bus service from July 8.
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It deployed 51 buses by August-end, including 20 CNG and 31 diesel buses, on 13 routes. The Maharashtra Natural Gas Ltd (MNGL) is providing CNG through tankers for the buses on a daily basis at three CNG stations in the city. The supply, however, was sufficient for only 20 CNG buses. NMPML wanted to deploy more CNG buses on some busy routes from Nashik Road but could not due to inadequate supply. NMPML had requested MNGL to provide adequate supply of CNG so that it can deploy 25 more CNG buses.
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Plans afoot to start supply of piped natural gas in Mysuru soon
Plans are afoot to start supply of piped natural gas for household as well as commercial and industrial use in Mysuru city. Representatives of AG&P Pratham, a private gas distribution company authorised by Petroleum and
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Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to distribute piped gas in Mysuru and neighbouring Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts, held a meeting with Mysuru MP Pratap Simha with a view to expedite various clearances necessary to lay the pipeline. During the meeting, the company representatives briefed the MP about their plans, the locations of their stations, and pipeline network. The presentation shared by the company had sought the MP’s assistance in securing clearances for laying a pipeline from Bidadi to Mysuru as well as to households and commercial establishments. The project seeks to provide piped cooking gas in Mysuru city and Nanjangud.
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Mira Bhayandar: MBMC to purchase 30 CNG-powered Midi buses to cut costs and reduce emissions in Thane, Maharashtra
As footfall of commuters inches towards touching the pre-Covid levels, the public transport system in the twin-city is all set to receive a major boost in comings months as the municipal transport wing has decided to purchase
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30 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered Midi buses to strengthen its network and connectivity. With the prices of petrol and diesel at an all-time high, the CNG-powered will not only reduce running costs but since it’s an eco-friendly fuel, it will drastically reduce pollution levels. Currently 58 out of the 74 buses are plying on 19 routes. An average of 40,000 commuters travel in and out of the twin-city on a daily basis. As a stop gap arrangement, the MBMC has appointed a private agency for operating its bus fleet on a Net Cost Contract (NCC) model. The transport authority has recently launched the Intelligent Transport System to monitor movement of buses via a global positioning system. With the prices of petrol and diesel at an all-time high, the CNG-powered will not only reduce running costs but since it’s an eco-friendly fuel, it will drastically reduce pollution levels.
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Planning to deploy 200 electric vehicles and 100 CNG buses in Guwahati by 2022: Assam government
The Assam government unveiled an Electric Vehicle (EV) policy. The Department of Industry, Commerce and Public Enterprises said the Electric Vehicle Policy, 2021 provides a set of incentives for people to switch to EVs.
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The Assam government plans to phase out fossil fuel-based vehicles by 2030. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the government is planning to deploy 200 electric vehicles and 100 CNG buses in Guwahati by April 1, 2022. The government has also given 100% exemption on registration fee and road tax and parking fee on EV. Buyers of two-wheeler, three-wheeler and four-wheeler EVs will be entitled to a subsidy of ₹20,000, ₹50,000 and ₹1.5 lakh respectively, while entrepreneurs setting up EV charging stations are assured 90% exemption from electricity charges.
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Kochi City Gas project remains pipe dream
Ever since its announcement in 2013, the Kochi City Gas project — which aims to supply piped natural gas to residents of 18 divisions in the corporation at subsidised rates — has been one of the most-awaited initiatives.
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Many have been calling for expedited implementation of the project that can transform an ordinary citizen’s daily life. Kochi corporation officials have pointed out a lack of follow up from IOAGPL. The Kochi Mayor had convened a meeting of all stakeholders of the gas project in January to fast-track its implementation in the corporation. Through many discussions regarding work schedules were held, nothing has materialised since. IOAGPL, the implementing agency is a joint venture between Indian Oil Corporation and Adani Group. Residents of 18 divisions in the city will benefit from the project, which aims to supply natural gas at subsidised rates.
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CNG prices likely to rise about 50% over next year: Report
CNG and piped cooking gas prices in cities such as Delhi and Mumbai may be hiked by 10-11 per cent next month as the government-dictated gas price is set to rise by about 76 per cent, ICICI Securities said in a report. The government, using rates prevalent in gas-surplus nations,
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fixes the price of natural gas produced by firms such as state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) from fields given to them on nomination basis, every six months. The next review is due on October 1. The price, referred to as APM or administered rate, will rise to USD 3.15 per million British thermal unit (mmBtu) for the period from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 from the current USD 1.79, the brokerage said. The rate for gas from deepwater fields such as KG-D6 of Reliance Industries Ltd and BP Plc would rise to USD 7.4 per mmBtu next month.
The city gas distributors (CGD) “would have to make price hikes of 10-11 per cent in October,” ICICI Securities said in a report. Going by the trend in international markets, the APM gas price is likely to rise to USD 5.93 per mmBtu in April 2022 to September 2022 and to USD 7.65 during October 2022 to March 2023. This would mean another 22-23 per cent hike in CNG and piped natural gas prices in April 2022 and 11-12 per cent in October 2022, it said. “CGD players may be able to make the required hefty price hikes given sharply higher prices of competing fuels, petrol and diesel. However, some hit to prevailing lofty margins of MGL and IGL cannot be ruled out.” The rise in gas price would help boost margins of ONGC and Oil India Ltd as well as private companies such as Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL).
https://www.orissapost.com/cng-prices-likely-to-rise-about-50-over-next-year-report/
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Tata Motors’ most iconic commercial vehicle now available in CNG version
Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has launched the natural gas variant of its most iconic commercial vehicle — the Tata 407. Tapping into the benefits of natural gas, the vehicle offers profits of up to 35% over the diesel version.
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It has been designed to live up to its reputation as the ‘non-stop profit machine’, continuing to offer best-in-class performance and reliability, and adding even more value to the proposition with lower TCO. The Tata 407 is powered by a 3.8-liter CNG engine leveraging the fuel-efficient SGI engine technology and delivers maximum power of 85PS while also generating best-in-class torque of 285Nm at low rpm. The 4,995kg-GVW vehicle is equipped with a fuel tank capacity of 180 liters to ensure faster turnaround time and higher productivity. The iconic SFC (semi-forward control) cabin of the 407 is built with high-grade steel, making it safe and confidence-inspiring for drivers and owners alike.
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Electric Mobility & Bio- Methane
India to make it mandatory for auto makers to offer biofuel vehicles in 6 months: Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said India will make it mandatory for auto manufacturers to offer vehicles running 100 per cent on bio-fuels in the next six months. “Within six months, we will give orders for making flex engines (mandatory),”
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he said, adding that state-run oil marketing companies have already been ordered to offer bio-fuels at the same facilities as the one selling petrol and diesel. The minister said consumers will have a choice between petrol and bioethanol and a switch to the alternative is also essential for the country because of the surplus production of crops like rice, maize, corn and sugar, from which bioethanol is made.
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Mukesh Ambani sees green hydrogen costs coming down to $1 per kg in 10 yrs
Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries (RIL), said India can be the first country to bring down the cost of green hydrogen to $1 per kg within a decade, reiterating the company’s push towards alternate energy.
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According to the European Commission’s July 2020 hydrogen strategy, green hydrogen produced with renewable resources costs anything from $3 to $6.5 per kg. Fuel-based hydrogen is cheaper at around $1.80 per kg.
While hydrogen generation technologies have been around for a while, green hydrogen is made using renewable energy, making it more sustainable and environment friendly.
On the new energy business, he said, “We have started developing the Dhirubhai Ambani Green Energy Giga Complex over 5,000 acres in Jamnagar. It will be amongst the largest integrated renewable energy manufacturing facilities in the world.” Over the next three years, the company plans to invest Rs 75,000 crore in these initiatives.
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50 autos to be turned into electric vehicles in Andhra Pradesh
New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP) Limited has decided to convert internal combustion engine (ICE) auto-rickshaws in Vijayawada and
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its suburban areas into electric ones through retrofitment of electric kits. Initially, 50 ICE auto-rickshaws will be turned into electric three-wheelers and the corporation has invited bids from interested parties for the implementation of the initiative.
According to the bid documents floated, the NREDCAP has stated that the State has about six lakh ICE auto-rickshaws, which consume lakhs of litres of petrol/diesel/CNG everyday and emit carbon gases, raising health and environmental issues. As retrofitment of existing vehicles will be the lowest cost option to turn them into e-vehicles, besides helping them in optimisation of resource utilisation, NREDCAP floated the bids.
The developer will be responsible for the design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of electric retrofit kits for three-wheeler ICE passenger auto-rickshaws with swappable batteries and to operate swapping stations in Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) and its suburban limits. The last date of filing the bids is September 16, following which the corporation will go for reverse auctioning. The date of submission may be extended depending on the response. The developer will also identify the interested autorickshaw drivers and conduct route survey for identification of suitable locations for establishment of swapping stations, and operate swapping stations in the selected routes in municipal corporation and suburban limits for a period of five years on turnkey basis.
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On-demand electric car charging at consumers’ doorstep
Indian company Hopcharge has built an on-demand door-to-door EV charging solution to reduce the many woes of electric car owners in densely populated metros.
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The company will enable electric car owners to order the charging service at their doorstep whether it is their homes, office, movie cinemas, or any other location. The company claims to take an average of 36 minutes to charge the electric car, depending on the type of vehicle.
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India revamps incentives for autos to boost EVs, hydrogen fuel cells: Report
India has revised its proposed $8 billion scheme for the auto sector which will now focus on incentivising companies to build electric and hydrogen fuel-powered vehicles, two sources familiar with the plan told Reuters.
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This is a significant shift from the government’s original plan to incentivise auto and auto part maker to build mainly gasoline vehicles and their components for domestic sale and export, with some added benefit for electric vehicles (EVs). The move to clean technologies comes as Tesla Inc is gearing up to enter India and is lobbying for lower import duties on electric cars.
India’s industries and finance ministries did not immediately respond to a request for comment.India’s efforts to promote EVs, which make up a fraction of total auto sales, have been stymied so far by a lack of investment and weak demand, as well as the patchwork nature of existing incentives that vary from state to state. But the government is focussed on adopting clean mobility so it can reduce its oil dependence and cut pollution, while also meeting its commitment under the Paris Climate Accord. Domestic automaker Tata Motors is currently the largest seller of electric cars in India with rival Mahindra & Mahindra as well as motor-bike companies TVS Motor and Hero MotoCorp firming up their EV plans. However, India’s biggest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, has no near-term plan to launch EVs as it does not see volumes or affordability for consumers, its chairman said last month.
The incentive scheme is part of India’s broader $27 billion programme to attract global manufacturers so it can boost domestic production and exports.
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Natural Gas/ Pipelines/ Company News
ONGC pumps first gas from U1B deep-water well in KG basin
State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) has pumped first gas from its deep-water U1B well in Krishna Godavari block KG-D5 in the Bay of Bengal. The well, in KG-DWN 98/2 Block’s Cluster-2, has an estimated peak production of 1.2 million cubic meters per day of gas, the company said in a statement.
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ONGC’s KG-DWN-98/2 or KG-D5 block, which sits next to Reliance Industries’ KG-D6 block in the KG basin, has a number of discoveries that have been clubbed into clusters. The discoveries in the block are divided into three clusters- Cluster-1, 2 and 3. Cluster 2 is being put to production first.
The Cluster 2 field is divided into two blocks namely 2A and 2B, which are expected to produce 23.52 million metric tonne of oil and 50.70 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas. The KG-DWN 98/2 block is situated offshore the Godavari river delta in the Bay of Bengal. It is located 35-km off the coast of Andhra Pradesh in water depths ranging from 300-3,200 meters. Cluster 2A is estimated to contain reserves of 94.26 million tonne of crude oil and 21.75 bcm of associated gas, while Cluster 2B is estimated to host 51.98 bcm of gas reserves.Cluster 2A is anticipated to produce 77,305 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and associated gas at a rate of 3.81 million metric standard cubic meters per day (mmscmd) over 15 years. Cluster 2B is expected to produce free gas of 12.75 mmscmd from eight wells and has a 16-year life.
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GAIL pipelines to kick off govt’s Rs 6 lakh crore monetisation plan: Report
The government is likely to kick off its ambitious Rs 6 lakh crore monetisation programme by leasing out more than 2,229 km of gas pipelines of state-owned natural gas company GAIL (India) Limited to the private sector, reported Livemint,
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citing a person directly aware of the development. In totality, the centre plans to monetise 8,154 km of GAIL pipelines. Investment advisers for the proposed transaction are already being appointed by the centre, said the report, adding that several domestic and foreign investment banks have submitted initial interests. For this purpose, the government will float an infrastructure investment trust (InvIT), a collective investment vehicle, to help investors put in funds and pocket a portion of the income as returns. The decision to monetise GAIL pipelines was taken as they have the strongest demand from private investors at the moment, the report added.
According to Niti Aayog, GAIL has an existing gas pipeline network of 13,389km, with a capacity of 204 million standard cubic metres per day (mmscmd). The four-year NMP, worth an estimated Rs 6 lakh crore, aims to unlock value in brownfield projects by engaging the private sector. The private sector will be given revenue rights in government entities but not their ownership. The funds so generated will finance the National Infrastructure Pipeline that envisages an infrastructure investment of Rs 111 lakh crore over five years (2020-25).
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OVL, IOC sign pact with Russia’s Gazprom
ONGC Videsh Ltd, India’s flagship overseas oil and gas firm, and the nation’s largest refiner Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) signed agreements with Russia’s Gazprom for cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector.
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Indian oil and gas companies are looking to acquire stakes in prolific oil and gas areas in Russia as part of a larger strategy to acquire equity oil and gas overseas that could offset the country’s huge 85 per cent dependence on imports for meeting energy needs. IOC also signed a similar MoU for cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is leading an official and business delegation to Russia to participate in the 6th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) Summit in Vladivostok.
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Challenges for natural gas to become India’s bridge fuel
As India moves away from coal to a low-carbon and, eventually, a zero-carbon economy, can natural gas be a bridge fuel? Other than environmental benefits, does natural gas add values such as operational flexibility for the electricity grid, which would be more compatible
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with a high renewable energy (RE) future? In a new working paper, Rahul Tongia examines the possibilities for natural gas in India’s energy mix, both through the lens of competitive economic viability as well as other impacts its use might have, notably, on carbon emissions. The real challenge is the overall price-competitiveness of natural gas. While spot prices for gas were, until recently, low, they have risen after August 2020. Many analysts say future prices won’t drop as low as in 2020, which had a perfect storm of demand falls, favourable weather that muted demand spikes and Covid-19. The power sector, instead of finding a “sweet spot” between alternatives spanning coal and RE, appears squeezed between cheaper vs cleaner fuels. Its value for peaking remains high but the volumes required for this are modest. Natural gas does have a role in a niche or select segments, including industry, which can drive some growth in India. An important question remains: Is this displacing coal (like with industry) or other fossil fuels (liquids in transportation or LPG in cooking)? This will determine the carbon benefits over time.
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Arun Kumar Singh takes over as new chairman of BPCL, VRK Gupta is new Director (Finance)
Arun Kumar Singh has taken over as the new chairman and managing director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta is the new Director (Finance) of India’s second-largest fuel marketing company.
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Singh was selected by government headhunter PESB in May this year to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of D Rajkumar in August 2020. He is also a director on the board of FinoPaytech Limited, Fino Finance Ltd, Mumbai Aviation Fuel & Farm Facility Limited, Matrix Bharat Pte Ltd and Bharat Oman Refinery Ltd, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BPCL. After Rajkumar’s superannuation last year, Director-human resources K Padmakar, who is the senior director on the company board, was given the additional charge of chairman and managing director.
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Policy Matters/ Gas Pricing/Others
50 city gas distribution areas to be put under common carriers list
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is seeking to declare more than 50 city gas distribution licensed areas, including Delhi, Mumbai and large parts of Gujarat, as common carriers.
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All the city gas areas identified for the purpose have already exceeded their exclusivity period. For cities like Delhi and Mumbai, the exclusivity period expired in 2012, while for many others it ended in the years up to 2021. Declaring city gas areas as common carrier, however, has not been easy for the regulator with licensees fiercely contesting past attempts in court. Indraprastha Gas has previously fought PNGRB in court over the exclusivity period. City gas areas that the PNGRB has identified for common carrier include Bareilly, Kanpur, Dewas, Kota, Pune, Mathura, Kakinada, Sonipat, Meerut, Vijayawada, Thane, Indore, Firozabad, Hyderabad, Agra, Gandhinagar, Gwalior, Agartala, Anand, Surat, Ahmedabad, Hazira, Moradabad, Chandigarh, Allahabad, Jhansi, Bengaluru, Panipat, Daman, Haridwar, and Belgaum.
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Clear stand on rail track, gas pipeline in Gir’ in Gujarat
The Gujarat high court asked the state government to make its stand clear on formal permissions for laying down oil and gas pipeline through the Gir sanctuary eco-sensitive zone and gauge conversion as well as electrification of the railway tracks through the sanctuary.
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While hearing a suo motu PIL on protection of the Asiatic lions, the bench of Justice N V Anjaria and Justice A P Thaker orally observed that the state government’s stand is materially important on the issue of formal permission being granted to projects taking place in the sanctuary. The amicus curiae, advocate Hemang Shah, submitted that the government authorities have maintained a silence as to whose benefit the gauge conversion and electrification of railway tracks are taking place and who is going to benefit from the laying down of the oil and gas pipeline in the buffer zone of the sanctuary. He told the court that he has gathered information from different sources and visited the places in Gir and found out that the development projects in the restricted forest areas have been planned because of development of a port in Chhara and establishment of an LNG terminal. The amicus also submitted that laying down the pipeline may prove hazardous for the forest area. After advocate Shah mentioned the company’s name, the court questioned whether they are necessary parties to be heard during the hearing. To this, he replied that the government authorities are not disclosing the names of the groups, which are likely to be benefited from the project. The HC is hearing the issue suo motu since 2018, when the government informed the state assembly about death of the lions due to unnatural causes in and around the Gir sanctuary.
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Centre-States may discuss early inclusion of natural gas into GST fold
With GST revenue collections making a rebound post the disruptions caused by the second wave of Covid pandemic, the Centre is likely to initiate dialogue with states for inclusion of petroleum products under the new indirect tax fold.
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Sources privy to the development said that based on the Petroleum Ministry’s suggestion, the Centre may take up with GST Council the issue of bringing natural gas under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime to begin with before the entire oil and gas sector is brought under it. The 45th GST Council meeting is scheduled on September 17, 2021 at Lucknow. Though the council members will discuss several pending issues such as states compensation, revision of GST rates on Covid essentials, inverted duty structure, the Centre is also likely to take up the case for early inclusion of gas into the new taxation fold. With revenue position remaining strained due to Covid-19 outbreak, states have been reluctant to consider bringing high revenue generating petroleum products under GST fold. But with GST collections improving substantially this year remaining above the Rs 1 lakh crore psychological-mark in most months of FY22, the Centre feels it is the right time to push for tax reforms in the oil and gas sector as well with the inclusion of gas helping in plan to develop a gas-based economy in the country. Inclusion of gas would not pose a challenge for the GST Council as it is largely an industrial product where a switchover to the new taxation would not be difficult.
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LNG Development and Shipping
Petronet plans floating regasification terminal in East India
India’s biggest LNG importer Petronet LNG is looking to set up a floating LNG receiving and regasification terminal at Gopalpur port in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, the company said in its 2020-21 annual report. “
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The LNG terminal will help meet the increasing gas demand of the eastern and central part of the country,” it said. Petronet has completed the pre-project studies and is in the process of preparing the detailed feasibility report for the 4mn metric tons/year floating storage and regasification unit-based terminal. The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Gopalpur Ports and is in discussion to finalise the key technical and commercial terms of the agreements. Petronet is in the process of taking the final investment decision for the project, it added. The company is planning a pre-feasibility report for a 5mn mt/yr land-based terminal in the future.
Petronet at present operates two land-based terminals, one at Dahej in west India and another at Kochi in south India. The Dahej terminal has a capacity of 17.5mn mt/yr while Kochi has a capacity of 5mn mt/yr. The company said it is in the process of adding two additional LNG storage tanks, the seventh and the eighth, at the Dahej terminal. Petronet is also evaluating the expansion of Dahej terminal capacity to 22.5mn mt/yr.
https://www.naturalgasworld.com/petronet-plans-floating-regas-terminal-in-east-india-91802
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India eyes Russia Arctic LNG Deal
Indian energy companies ONGC and Petronet LNG are mulling involvement in Novatek’s second LNG development in Russia’s far north, Arctic LNG-2, Interfax reported September 6. Following recent proposals from the majority owner Novatek,
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they are discussing both offtake and investment options in the follow-on project to the operational Yamal LNG project, the Russian agency said, citing an anonymous source. An Indian company representative who was involved in the talks said, on condition of anonymity, that Novatek was offering 9.9% of its stake out of its own 60%, but that no agreement had been reached, adding the offer of a stake was a recent development. Other investment opportunities that came up during the forum included participation in Rosneft’s Vostok Oil project and petrochemical projects. Puri spoke positively about closer economic and energy ties with Russia.
Long-term contracts indexed to oil are now a lot cheaper than spot and LNG project developers need long-term contracts to enable more affordable finance, although for much of the last decade or two, buyers have demanded a shift to short-term price indexation to take advantage of the supply-demand situation.
https://www.naturalgasworld.com/india-eyes-91825
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Natural Gas / Transnational Pipelines/ Others
China approves $149 mln coal bed methane pipeline project in northern China
China’s state planner has approved a 960 million yuan ($149 million) coalbed methane pipeline project linking the northern provinces of Shanxi and Shaanxi. The 74.1 km (46 mile) pipeline is designed to transmit 2 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas each year and will be managed by
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China United Coalbed Methane Corp, a subsidiary of China’s CNOOC. The project is part of the gas pipeline connecting Shenmu city in Shaanxi province and Anping county in Hebei province. China’s state planner approved another part of the pipeline in 2019, from Shanxi to Hebei, with annual transmission capacity of 5 bcm. The cross-region pipeline aims to help boost the development of coalbed methane, a form of natural gas extracted from coal beds.
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Starwood Energy, BerQ RNG to Invest in Renewable Natural Gas Projects in US, Canada
Starwood Energy Group Global LLC announced Sept. 7 that it has entered into an investment partnership with BerQ RNG Inc., a premier developer of renewable natural gas (RNG) projects in the United States and Canada.
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The new platform will develop and acquire RNG projects in all stages, ranging from early development to operating projects. The platform is majority owned by Starwood Energy and will operate under the name “BerQ RNG.” Based in Oakville, Ontario, BerQ employs an experienced team of developers with a diverse background across substrates, geographies and technologies. The company’s current pipeline of RNG projects spans through landfill gas, animal waste and wastewater. As a part of the transaction, BerQ will contribute its projects, team and development expertise and Starwood Energy will contribute its existing farm-based RNG investments and fund the platform.
https://napipelines.com/starwood-energy-berq-rng-projects/
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ExxonMobil to certify natural gas, help customers meet environmental goals
MiQ is a partnership between RMI, formerly the Rocky Mountain Institute, and SYSTEMIQ, a global sustainability consultancy. It developed and maintains the “MiQ Standard,” a framework that assesses and grades methane intensity, enhanced monitoring technology deployment,
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and operating practices that promote a culture of emissions management and continuous improvement. A MiQ accredited independent auditor performs the assessment, and MiQ issues tradeable certificates based on the grade achieved. ExxonMobil has selected Poker Lake for certification because of the wide range of technology solutions already in place, scale advantages, proximity to nearby markets, and growth potential as production in New Mexico increases. The company has expanded use of aerial LiDARTM imaging and SOOFIE methane detection technologies in the region and is evaluating additional next-generation applications, including satellites and artificial intelligence, as part of its ongoing initiatives to find smarter and faster ways to detect and mitigate emissions.
ExxonMobil has previously announced plans to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its operations by 2025, compared to 2016 levels. The plans include a 15 to 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas intensity of upstream operations. The reductions will be supported by a 40 to 50 percent reduction in methane intensity and a 35 to 45 percent reduction in flaring intensity. The company aims for industry-leading greenhouse gas performance across its businesses by 2030.
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US natural gas prices are rising and could be the most expensive in 13 years this winter
Natural gas prices have doubled this year and are expected to continue to rise, resulting in larger winter heating bills for some consumers and higher costs for electric utilities. Natural gas is plentiful in the United States and has been cheap for years, so the jump in prices this year is eye popping.
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It has also lifted the shares of companies that specialize in natural gas production, like EQT, Range Resources, Cabot Oil and Gas and Antero Resources. Natural gas prices have been caught in their own perfect storm, of lower supplies and rising demand. Prices raced higher, first as unprecedented heat stoked air conditioning demand across the U.S., particularly in the Northwest. As a result, less gas was put into storage for winter months, during the key summer injection period. Natural gas prices are flaring as the Biden Administration is pressing for higher dependence on renewable energy in the electricity market. The White House called for solar energy to power nearly half the electric grid by 2050. It is now just 3% of the power supply. But natural gas is likely to remain an important fuel for years to come. The EIA, in its short-term outlook, said natural gas should provide 35% of power generation in 2021 and 34% in 2022. The government forecast the average price of natural gas this year will be $4.69 per mmBtus.
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Chevron reinforces investments in US renewable natural gas projects
Brightmark LLC and Chevron U.S.A. Inc. announced the second expansion of their previously announced joint venture, Brightmark RNG Holdings LLC, to own projects across the United States to produce and market dairy renewable natural gas.
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Brightmark RNG Holdings LLC’s subsidiaries currently own biomethane projects in New York, Michigan, Florida, South Dakota and Arizona. Additional equity investments by each company in the joint venture will fund construction of infrastructure and commercial operation of 10 dairy biomethane projects, including new sites in Iowa and Wisconsin and additional sites in Michigan and South Dakota. Chevron will purchase renewable natural gas produced from these projects and market the volumes for use in vehicles operating on CNG.
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Australia: Jemena expands Roma North Gas ̦Processing Facility
Australian gas infrastructure company Jemena has completed the expansion of the Roma North gas processing facility in Queensland. Jemena and its partners finalised testing at the site last month.
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The expansion has increased the processing facility’s capacity by about 50%, so it can now process around 24 terajoules/day of gas, in line with increasing production from Senex Energy’s Roma North gas field. Jemena will transport gas from the facility on behalf of Senex to their customer, Gladstone LNG. The project was delivered in concert with Jemena’s construction partner, Queensland-based Wasco Australia and engineering and project management company, Zinfra. Jemena acquired the Roma North processing facility for A$50mn ($37.1mn) from Senex in June 2019 as part of plans to create an interconnected network of gas infrastructure assets across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
https://www.naturalgasworld.com/jemena-expands-roma-north-gas-processing-facility-91838
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Global LNG Development
Bangladesh: Eight foreign firms shortlisted for LNG land terminal construction
The Bangladesh government has shortlisted eight global firms to select a contractor to build the first land-based LNG terminal at Matarbari business hub, as the country now hugely depends on the fuel to supplement natural-gas supply.
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The firms include Japan’s Mitsui & Co Ltd; Japan Investment Corporation for MatarbariRegas Terminal, a joint venture of Inpex Corporation, Sojitj Corpora-tion, Kyushu Elecrtric Power Co and local Unique Hotel and Resorts Ltd; joint venture of Total Gas Electric Holdings and Total Gas and Power Business Service of France; Petronet LNG Ltd; joint venture of Qatar Petroleum LNG Services and Exxon Mobil of Qatar; joint venture of local Summit Corporation Ltd, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Jera Co Inc and joint venture of United Enterprises & Co Ltd, Posco International Corp and Korea Gas Corporation and the consortium of Sumitomo Corporation and Chugoko Electric Power Co. Inc. The proposed land-based terminal is planned to be built by the selected sponsor on build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis at Matarbari in Cox’sbazar district near the Bay of Bengal. Under the contract, the project company would own, operate and maintain it for 20 years. Japanese consulting firm Tokyo Gas Co Ltd is currently carrying out feasibility study and preparing documents to help select the final bidder to build the LNG terminal. Excelerate Energy started supplying re-gasified LNG from its FSRU commercially in August 2018, while Summit started supplies in April 2019.
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Pakistan LNG seeks eight cargoes for December, January
The Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) has invited bids for the supply of eight cargoes of the LNG to be delivered in December 2021 and January 2022. The bids will be opened on October 11, 2021. According to the tender document, four cargoes up to 140,000 cubic meters
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in capacity each are spread over four windows in December 2021, i.e., December 6 and 7, December 10 and 11, December 15 and 16 and December 26 and 27, 2021. The remaining four cargoes are scheduled for delivery on January 14 and 15, January 19 and 20, January 24 and 25 and January 29 and 30, 2022. All cargoes will be supplied on a Delivered Ex-Ship (DES) basis to the facility located in Port Qasim, Karachi. The government has mandated the state-owned companies, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL), to import LNG on behalf of the government of Pakistan. PSO has signed a government-to-government contract with Qatar Gas for a period of 15 years, whereas PLL has shorter-term LNG contracts with Gunvor and Shell.
https://www.bolnews.com/latest/2021/09/pakistan-lng-seeks-eight-cargoes-for-december-january/
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Pakistan: PSO books costliest LNG cargo for September
Making a new record, state-run Pakistan State Oil (PSO) awarded a liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo to commodity trader Vitol at 24.5456pc of Brent (about $17.86 per mmBtu) – the most expensive so far – for delivery on Sept 26-27. “
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PSO has decided to award the below mentioned cargo for supply of LNG,” PSO announced on its website. Vitol was the single bidder for the Sept 26-27 cargo. Earlier, PSO had rejected slightly higher bid of 27.54pc of Brent by the same single bidder for delivery on Sept 24. The previous record of the highest LNG price was that of $15.93 per unit (22.13pc of Brent) from Qatar Petroleum for Aug 29-30 delivery. On Aug 24, another state-run firm Pakistan LNG Ltd (PLL) had also received very expensive bids for seven LNG cargoes for October and November ranging $17.1449 and $22.6 per mmBtu. PLL has not yet awarded contract for any of the cargoes, bids for which are still valid until next week, and has gone into emergency re-bidding for five cargoes.
Pakistan’s average LNG prices may, however, become lower on the back of second LNG import deal with Qatar that has to formally operationalise in December this year at about 10.3pc of Brent coupled with old first deal of $13.37pc of Brent with Qatar. This would take the overall supplies under long-term deals to about 70-75pc of total existing terminal capacity, leaving smaller quantities to the vagaries of unpredictable spot market.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1643765/pso-books-costliest-lng-cargo-for-september
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Russian LNG aims high, leveraging big reserves and logistical advantages
Russia is pouring investment into LNG projects as it seeks to leverage the world’s largest natural gas reserves together with the logistical advantages of delivering it at a competitive price to Asia and Europe along the now-navigable Northern Sea Route. Forecasts expect global LNG demand to reach 700 mtpa by 2040, as demand for gas grows in Asia and becomes a fuel of choice in some hard-to-electrify sectors, according to the same report.
https://jpt.spe.org/russian-lng-aims-high-leveraging-big-reserves-and-logistical-advantages
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Poland: PGNiG will purchase more LNG from Venture Global LNG
PGNiG (Polish Oil and Gas Company) signed amendments to agreements with US companies Venture Global Calcasieu Pass, LLC and Venture Global Plaquemines, LLC to purchase another 2 million tpy of LNG for 20 years.
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As a result, the volume of LNG contracted from Venture Global LNG by PGNiG will increase up to 5.5 million tpy, which equals approximately 7.4 billion m3 following regasification. The amendments relate to agreements signed by PGNiG and Venture Global LNG companies in 2018. They determine the increase in the sales volume of LNG. In case of the sales and purchase agreement with Venture Global Calcasieu Pass, LLC the amendment provides for an increase in the volume of LNG purchased by PGNiG by 0.5 million tpy to 1.5 million tpy. While the amendment to the agreement with Venture Global Plaquemines, LLC increases the volume of supplies of LNG by 1.5 million tpy to 4.0 million tpy. Thanks to the amendments the total volume of LNG that PGNiG will purchase from both Venture Global LNG companies for the period of 20 years will increase to a total of 5.5 million tpy i.e. to approximately 7.4 billion m3 after regasification. The amended agreements are contracts based on the free-on-board (FOB) formula, which means that the purchaser, i.e.PGNiG, is responsible for the loading and transportation of the purchased gas. LNG will be collected from two liquefaction facilities on the Gulf of Mexico – Calcasieu Pass and Plaquemines. The first supplies from Venture Global LNG are planned for the beginning of 2023.
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Natural Gas / LNG Utilization
New CNG/LNG station joins future largest NGV fuelling network in Spain
Cepsa and Redexis have opened their fifth natural gas refueling station, located in Getafe (Madrid). This inauguration is part of the strategic agreement by which both companies undertook to create the largest natural gas station network in Spain.
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Redexis made an investment of more than one million euros to carry out the construction of this facility, which supplies LNG for heavy transport and CNG for light transport. The refueling point is located on the A-4, the highway that connects Madrid and Cádiz, at the height of the municipality of Getafe, a strategic location for the transport of goods between the center and the south of the peninsula, with a daily circulation of more than 17,000 heavy vehicles, and next to large logistics centers in the south of Madrid. In addition to this new station, both companies have facilities in Puerto Lumbreras (A-7), Mercazaragoza (A-2), Trujillo (A-5) and Castillejo de Iniesta (A-3); and, over the next few months, they plan to launch another three sites on some of the main national transport corridors (in the provinces of Salamanca, Ciudad Real and Pontevedra), as well as two other CNG stations in Madrid. Moreover, Javier Migoya, Redexis B2B Director, commented: “From Redexis and together with Cepsa, we continue to support the creation of the largest natural gas station network in Spain, building and developing the necessary infrastructures to encourage alternative fuels in our country that boost a more sustainable, economic and environmentally-friendly mobility.”
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Argentina: San Salvador de Jujuy debuts first natural gas bus
The Mayor of San Salvador de Jujuy Raúl Jorge presented four brand-new vehicles that will provide passenger transport service in the provincial capital city through XibiXibi, the bus operator. One of the units runs on CNG and is from the Scania.
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The objective is to improve the fleet and the quality of service in the city.
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Romania: OMV Petrom launches gas sales platform
The Romanian arm of Austria’s OMV, OMV Petrom, announced on September 1 that it was establishing a new digital platform for gas sales to small- and medium-sized enterprises, further consolidating its position on the Romanian gas market.
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Clients can conclude supply contracts on the utilio.ro platform, which can be accessed via any device including tablet and phone. It takes 20 minutes for a new client to conclude and validate a contract, OMV Petrom said. OMV Petrom is biggest oil and gas producer in Romania and in southeast Europe. In another move to expand its gas business, the company in June secured a licence to commercialise LNG in Romania. It has said it views gas as having a central role in Romania’s energy transition, in part by helping the country phase out coal-fired power.
OMV Petrom wants to bring extra gas onto the Romanian market from the offshore Neptun Deep project, but has complained that regulatory conditions are not suitable for taking a final investment decision. The field has been estimated to hold 84bn m3 of gas.
https://www.naturalgasworld.com/omv-petrom-launches-gas-sales-platform-91804
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Ireland: Two new CNG stations open in Limerick and Dublin
The country’s third and fourth publicly-accessible, fast-fill CNG stations have opened in Dublin and Limerick. Strategically located to support prominent haulier routes in Clonshaugh in Dublin and Ballysimon Road in Limerick City, the new stations have the capacity to fill 50 Heavy Good Vehicles (HGVs) a day,
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with each fill taking no more than five minutes. Renewable gases are the only deployable at scale, low carbon alternative fuel for use in HGVs, where electric solutions are not currently viable options. The new stations allow hauliers and fleet operators to begin the journey to sustainable transport by switching their fuel from diesel to CNG and ultimately transition to networked renewable gases, including biomethane and hydrogen, in the future. Transport currently accounts for 42% of Ireland’s energy use, making it the country’s largest source of energy demand.It is also one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise. HGVs and buses generate 30% of road transport emissions despite accounting for just 4% of vehicles on roads here. Proven global technologies, such as compressed natural gas (CNG), and renewable gases, including biomethane and hydrogen, can all play a part in helping decarbonise the country’s transport sector. Gas Networks Ireland’s Head of Commercial and Corporate Affairs, Ian O’Flynn, said the country’s commercial transport sector is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise.
https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2021/0906/1244951-compressed-natural-gas-stations/
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French and German LIQVIS stations open for OnTurtle and Romac clients
LNG truck drivers can now fill up their vehicles at filling stations operated by LIQVIS and make cashless payments with the OnTurtle fuel card. Over the past years, OnTurtle, true to its commitment to offer its customers alternative fuels, has been increasing the network of natural gas stations.
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It currently has agreements with 81 filling stations in six European countries: Spain, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. That makes OnTurtle to a highly capable fuel card partner for LIQVIS. Moreover, every owner of a Romac Fuels Card can also benefit from access to the growing LIQVIS refueling network and can fill up their trucks at the LNG stations in Germany and France. This partnership is an example of the companies’ commitment to provide more logistics operators access to an international LNG refueling network beyond the high traffic country of transit Germany. LIQVIS as wells as its partners Romac Fuels and OnTurtle are united by the common goal of providing customers with an extensive and reliable network of LNG stations.
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LNG as a Marine Fuel/Shipping
World’s first LNG hybrid polar exploration vessel reaches North Pole
Le Commandant Charcot, operated and owned by the French cruise company PONANT, has reached the Geographical North Pole on September 6. This major sailing milestone, achieved entirely on zero-emission electric battery powered by
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LNG with minimal impact on the environment, has turned the unique adventure represented by this exceptional ship into a concrete reality.
The polar exploration cruise ship departed Longyearbyen on September 1 for a first ever dry-run sea voyage during which the crew will undergo training in the immersive real-world environment of the Far North and begin deploying the new cruise activities and testing the safety equipment. Onboard are more than 100 people, including partners involved in the project and the ship’s construction, technicians present to make any final adjustments, scientists, photographers, institutional representatives and merchant navy cadets.
Thanks to its environmentally responsible technologies, such as its LNG propulsion system, its electric batteries and its ice routing software, Le Commandant Charcot is capable of safely sailing to the remotest and most inaccessible regions without damaging or disturbing the local ecosystems. Envisaged from the outset as a vessel of scientific opportunity, the ship is also equipped with two laboratories and an extensive range of polar research equipment.
Le Commandant Charcot is the first-ever electric hybrid cruise vessel with ice-breaking technology and dual fuel propulsion, featuring high-capacity batteries and LNG storage on board.
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Russia to build its first LNG-fuelled icebreaker
Metals miner Nornickel will participate in the design and building of Russia’s first dual-fuel LNG and diesel icebreaker to prepare for more capacity in the environmentally sensitive Arctic region.
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Russia, which has a fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers, has long considered LNG-powered icebreaking ships to develop the Northeast Sea Route into an international shipping lane from Arctic waters.
Nornickel, the world’s largest palladium and nickel producer will team up with Rosatom, the state operator of the route, and the shipbuilding arm of Russian oil giant Rosneft for the project. The LNG icebreaker will replace its older vessel, which is due to decommissioned in 2027–2029.
https://gcaptain.com/russia-build-first-lng-fuelled-icebreaker/
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Israel: ZIM to charter in 5 more LNG-fuelled box ship newbuilds
ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. has exercised its option to long-term charter an additional five 7,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels from Seaspan Corporation. The option was exercised under ZIM’s July 21 agreement with Seaspan for
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ten 7,000 TEU LNG vessels due to be delivered starting from the fourth quarter of 2023 and into 2024, bringing the total number of vessels chartered under the transaction to 15. Seaspan’s parent Atlas Corporation says that Seaspan will enter into agreements with a major shipyard to construct the five additional ships, which are anticipated to be delivered during the fourth quarter of 2024. They will be financed from existing liquidity, cash flow from operations, and additional borrowings. Their aggregate purchase price will be approximately $530 million, with their 12-year minimum charters totaling approximately $900 million of gross contracted cash flow
Since December 2020, and including the five ships announced today, Seaspan has announced 60 newbuild vessel orders and the acquisition of four second-hand vessels, all four of which have since been delivered.
https://www.marinelog.com/shipping/zim-to-charter-in-5-more-lng-fueled-box-ship-newbuilds/
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Qatar: Port in the Arabian Gulf joins the international Green Award network
Qatar Petroleum’s Ras Laffan Port, located in Ras Laffan Industrial City, has become the first port in the Arabian Gulf to join the international Green Award network as an Incentive Provider for certified LNG carriers.
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Qatar Petroleum and the Green Award Foundation have worked very closely to materialise this incentive to reward and recognise the efforts and investments of LNG ships that are adopting the latest environmental standards.
The Green Award is a platform that recognises safety, quality and environmental performance in shipping by facilitating an international network of over 150 incentive providers that offer a wide range of benefits to its certificate holders. Green Award recipients demonstrate their commitment to continually improve their performance in safety and environment for shipping above and beyond international standards.
As the premier location of the global LNG supply chain, Ras Laffan Port plays an integral role in providing international markets with LNG as an environmentally friendly source of energy. With more than 1000 LNG tankers calling at Ras Laffan Port annually, its track record in promoting environmentally sustainable practices in shipping has been well established since its inception in 1996. Since then, Ras Laffan Port has also worked closely with Qatar Gas to support the certification of their LNG shipping fleet.
Ras Laffan Port believes that through this framework, certified tankers will continually strive to improve the environmental performance of their operations. Certified LNG Tanker Operators under the Green Award scheme will now be offered a discount on Port Dues making Ras Laffan Port the first in the region to do so.
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Italy: Wärtsilä in cargo handling system deal for new Italian LNG bunker supply vessel
Wärtsilä has been awarded a contract to supply a complete cargo handling system for a new LNG bunkering vessel being built at the Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore and Engineering shipyard in China for Fratelli Cosulich, the Italy based shipping group.
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The Wärtsilä system selected for this 8,200m3 capacity bunkering vessel includes a complete engineering, design and equipment supply package for the cargo handling system, including a loading and discharge system, a boil-off gas (BOG) management control and integrated fuel supply system, as well as the custody transfer and bunkering transfer systems. The Wärtsilä equipment will be delivered commencing in 2022, and the ship is expected to start commercial operations in 2023. It will probably operate around Italy’s coastline in the Mediterranean Sea.
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France: GTT’s ‘smart shipping’ solution optimises LNG vessels
French LNG shipping and storage expert GTT has launched a digital ‘smart shipping’ solution that is set to help support the maritime industry’s energy transition. Developed in collaboration with Ascenz, Marorka and
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OSE Engineering, the company’s LNG Optim solution optimises the vessels’ fuel consumption and manages boil-off gas in the tanks. Already used by several major LNG shipping firms, LNG Optim is an innovative method of GTT marking its ambition in the promising field of ‘smart shipping’, according to Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO, GTT.
During design of LNG Optim the company looked at several factors including LNG ageing, the influence of sea states on boil-off gas generation and the impact of reliquefaction plants.
https://www.gasworld.com/gtts-smart-shipping-solution-optimises-lng-vessels/2021695.article
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South Africa: New LNG truck pilot to assess decarbonization of transport
South Africa’s LNG supplier DNG Energy and JSE-listed Imperial Logistics have joined forces to test the feasibility of using LNG as an alternative to diesel in a pilot that will proactively respond to the drive towards a net zero carbon transport sector in South Africa.
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The pilot will run for six months and DNG Energy will be responsible for designing, manufacturing and supplying the associated LNG dispensing and storage equipment, such as cryogenic tanks that keep natural gas in a liquid form.
https://www.ngvjournal.com/s1-news/c1-markets/south-africa-new-lng-truck-pilot-will-assess-decarbonization-of-transport/
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China’s Sinopec completes its first LNG bunkering operation
China’s Sinopec Corp announced it has completed its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation in Weihai, a major seaport in the eastern Shandong province. The bunkering, or marine refuelling,
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operation transferred 250 tonnes of LNG by truck to a China Merchant Shipping vessel. Sinopec is China’s largest supplier of marine fuels.
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Japan’s First: LNG-fuelled tugboat Ishin uses carbon-neutral LNG
The supplying of the LNG fuelled Ishin tugboat with carbon neutral LNG (CNLNG) marked the first use of CNLNG as vessel fuel in Japan. Ishin, owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd (MOL) and operated through its group company Nihon Tug-Boat Co., Ltd (Nihon Tug-Boat),
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received the supply at Sakai Senboku Port in Osaka, Japan on September 1st 2021. With the award-winning tugboat having used LNG since beginning its operation in February 2019, the move towards wider adoption of CNLNG within the shipping industry has been pushed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) tightening regulations on exhaust emissions from merchant vessels. The IMO’s strategy aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels, in addition to eliminating all GHG emissions from shipping within this century. CNLNG makes use of a concept of GHG reduction that has seen adoption in multiple industries worldwide, offsetting using carbon credits. Carbon offsetting is essentially a reduction in GHG emissions made in order to compensate for emissions made elsewhere. A carbon credit is a one-time use tradable certificate that allows this compensation to occur.
According to MOL’s ‘Adoption of Clean Alternative Fuels’ strategy, the shipping giant intends to introduce around 90 LNG-fuelled vessels by 2030 to further reduce its carbon footprint.
https://www.gasworld.com/japan-sees-first-use-of-carbon-neutral-lng-as-vessel-fuel/2021628.article
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Technological Development for Cleaner and Greener Environment Hydrogen & Bio-Methane
Australian energy retailer, Japanese oil refiner team up on green hydrogen
Origin Energy, Australia’s biggest energy retailer, has agreed to team with Japan’s largest oil refiner, Eneos, to explore the potential for a commercial-scale green hydrogen supply chain between their respective home markets. Australian utility Origin Energy and
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Japanese energy giant Eneos have revealed that they will jointly explore the feasibility of producing green hydrogen made with wind and solar energy in the Australian state of Queensland. They will also look at establishing a supply chain, including the possibility of exporting green hydrogen from Australia to Japan. The study will examine the potential for the stable supply of green hydrogen produced from renewable energy in Queensland. It will also explore the feasibility of converting it to methylcyclohexane (MCH), which fixes hydrogen with toluene and remains in a liquid form at normal temperature and pressure for storage and transportation. The announcement of the Eneos partnership comes just weeks after Origin Energy signed a memorandum of understanding with global shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to investigate opportunities to develop the supply chain to support export-scale green ammonia in Australia. Origin Energy and MOL will explore how Australian green ammonia projects could supply key downstream markets from 2026, with a joint feasibility study to be completed by December 2021.
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Chile: President Piñera opens Chile’s first green hydrogen station
The president of Chile Sebastián Piñera announced the opening of the country’s first green hydrogen station. The facility, owned and operated by Anglo American, will generate hydrogen from
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reused water from the same mining process and electricity from two solar plants located in the Colina district. The water will go through a demineralization process, the discharge of which will be used to feed the electrolyzer. There the electrolysis of water will take place, giving hydrogen as the main product and oxygen as a by-product, which will be returned to the atmosphere. Through the electrolyzer with a production capacity of 2 kg of H2 per day, gaseous hydrogen is dispensed to a forklift that is driven by clean energy generated by a fuel cell, in addition this pilot project incorporates a stationary fuel cell, which reinjects energy into the operation’s electrical grid.
The first hydrogen station for zero-carbon vehicles in Chile is part of Anglo American’s Sustainable Mining Plan, which plans to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations in Chile by 2030.
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South Korea: SK E&S plans major push in hydrogen, green LNG
South Korea’s SK E&S, a unit of SK Group, plans to produce 280,000 metric tons (mt)/year of blue hydrogen and 10mn mt/yr of green LNG by 2025, it said on September 1. The company also plans to produce 30,000 mt/yr of liquid hydrogen and 7 GW of renewable energy.
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It will use carbon capture, storage and utilisation (CCUS) technology in its “end-to-end carbonless solution” to remove CO2 in the whole process of LNG and hydrogen production. SK E&S said it is aiming to become into a major global LNG provider in South Korea that will supply 6mn mt/yr LNG by 2023 and 10mn mt/yr by 2025. It plans to supply 1.3mn mt/yr of carbon neutral LNG based on CCUS to South Korea by 2025. SK E&S will cooperate with US-based hydrogen company Plug Power to explore markets in Asia including China and Vietnam. Earlier this year, SK E&S bought about 10% of shares of Plug Power, becoming the largest shareholder. SK E&S has also partnered with Huadien, one of the Chinese three largest state-owned power companies, to expand its hydrogen business in China and has been in discussion with the Vietnamese government for cooperation in hydrogen business.
https://www.naturalgasworld.com/sk-eands-plan-to-boost-hydrogen-green-lng-output-91751
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United Kingdom: 20 hydrogen double deckers will hit Liverpool streets
Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) has been selected by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to supply 20 zero-emission hydrogen double deck buses. This is the first order for ADL’s H2.0 second-generation hydrogen platform,
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which has been designed to be more energy efficient to cover greater distances between refueling. The 20 ADL Enviro400FCEV buses are being directly purchased through the Liverpool City Region’s Transforming Cities Fund. The buses will initially serve the City Region’s busiest route, the 10A between St Helens and Liverpool city center. The bus was developed on ADL’s next-generation H2.0 platform and will be powered by a Ballard fuel cell power module through the efficient Voith Electrical Drive System. With hydrogen tanks and key components intelligently packaged by the engineers that developed the market’s widest range of clean buses, the integral vehicle perfectly balances weight and maximizes saloon space.
With the Metro Mayor having set a target for the Liverpool City Region to become net zero carbon by 2040 at the latest – at least a decade before national targets – the hydrogen buses will be an important addition to the region’s existing fleet, which is already more than 70% low emissions.
The Liverpool City Region is a combined authority region of England, centred on Liverpool, incorporating the local authority district boroughs of Halton, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral.
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Spain’s first regular route featuring biomethane buses begins operations
The first regular line in Spain powered by biomethane was launched with two buses delivered by Scania and operated by Alsa in the Zaragoza Consortium. The vehicles are integral low-floor and are equipped with Scania’s renowned CNG powertrain with which
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more than 1,000 units already circulate in Spain, with 280 HP and the best torque-power ratio on the market. In addition, they have 1,440-liter fuel tanks allowing ranges of more than 500 km and numerous safety and energy-saving systems. “This delivery is the consequence of the successful biomethane trial of a previous bus pilot project that covered more than 8,000 km driven by biomethane produced from pig slurry,” explained Ignacio Cortezón, Commercial Director of Buses and Engines at Scania Iberica. The buses were bodied by Castrosua with the New City model that includes the latest advances with two electric doors, double manual/automatic ramp, cameras, USBs, full led lighting, imitation wood flooring, and anti-covid screen. The operation in medium and long distance with biomethane is ideal, without limitations of autonomy or power, with contained costs, the greatest reduction currently possible in CO2, always above 80%, and implies a recovery of agricultural and urban waste
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Genesis to Completely Switch to Hydrogen Fuel, Electric Vehicles by 2025 Globally
Hyundai Motor Group’s independent Genesis brand said that it will launch only hydrogen fuel cell or battery-powered vehicles from 2025 in line with its rival carmakers’ electrification push.
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The Genesis brand will complete its lineup with eight hydrogen and battery models by 2030 and aims to sell 400,000 units a year in global markets, the group said in a statement.
The lineup is currently composed of the GV80 and GV70 SUVS, as well as the G90, G80, electrified G80 and G70 sedans, reports Yonhap news agency. The GV60 is the second Genesis EV model, following the introduction of the electrified G80. But unlike the G80, the GV60 is only available with the E-GMP powertrain.
Hyundai Motors electric vehicle (EV) sales increased in the first half of the year compared with a year ago, but its global market share fell in the face of toughening competitions with Chinese rivals, industry data showed. Hyundai Motor was in sixth place in terms of global EVs sales in the January-June period, one notch down from the fifth position a year ago, according to the data by industry tracker SNE Research.
American EV maker Tesla topped the global EV market with a 22.2 percent share in the first half, followed by SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile, a joint venture among SAIC Motor, General Motors and Liuzhou Wuling Motor, as well as BYD and Volkswagen and Great Wall Motors Company.
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