NGS’ NG/LNG SNAPSHOT – February 16-28, 2022
National News Internatonal News
NATIONAL NEWS
City Gas Distribution & Auto LPG
PM Modi to inaugurate Bio-CNG plant in Indore
Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the “Gobar-Dhan (Bio-CNG) Plant” in Indore on Saturday at 1 pm through video conferencing. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO),
read more
PM Modi recently launched the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0, with the overall vision of creating “Garbage Free Cities”. The Mission is being implemented under the overarching principles of “waste to wealth” and “circular economy” for maximizing resource recovery – both of which are exemplified in the Indore Bio-CNG plant. The plant has the capacity to treat 550 tonnes per day of segregated wet organic waste. It is expected to produce around 17,000 kg per day of CNG and 100 tonnes per day of organic compost, the PMO informed.
The plant is based on zero-landfill models, whereby no rejects would be generated. Additionally, the project is expected to yield multiple environmental benefits- reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, providing green energy along with organic compost as fertilizer.
Indore Clean Energy Pvt Ltd, a Special Purpose Vehicle created to implement the project, was set up by Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) and Indo Enviro Integrated Solutions Ltd. (IEISL) under a Public-Private Partnership model, with a 100% capital investment of Rs 150 crores by IEISL, stated an official release. Indore Municipal Corporation will purchase a minimum of 50% of CNG produced by the plant and in a first-of-its-kind initiative, run 400 city buses on the CNG. The balance quantity of CNG will be sold in the open market. The organic compost will help replace chemical fertilizers for agricultural and horticultural purposes.
https://newsroompost.com/india/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-bio-cng-plant-in-indore-today/5066477.html
show less
Natural Gas/ Pipelines/ Company News
GAIL India to connect Srinagar to the gas grid; complete Mumbai-Nagpur line by 2023
State-owned GAIL India Ltd plans to lay a pipeline to Srinagar to take the environmentally friendly natural gas to the Kashmir Valley as it doubles down on efforts to expand infrastructure to helm the government vision of a gas-based economy, its chairman and managing director Manoj Jain said.
read more
GAIL will by May 2023 complete a 700-km pipeline from Mumbai to Nagpur, enabling the flow of gas to central India and is on track to meeting the target of mid-2022 for completing major portions of the ambitious Urja Ganga project, bringing eastern India on the energy map.
GAIL is also laying a 1,405 km pipeline from Mumbai to Jharsuguda (Odisha) via Nagpur and Raipur in Chhattisgarh. The section up to Nagpur will be commissioned by May 2023. Currently, the total natural gas pipeline network in India is about 18,700 km, of which 12,500 km is operated by GAIL. GAIL, which sells two-thirds of all-natural gas sold in the country, will add 7,000 km of pipeline length in the next five years.
The pipeline will be extended to Guwahati by laying an additional 729-km line from Barauni in Bihar. At Guwahati, it would interconnect with the upcoming 1,500-km ‘Indradhanush’ pipeline network conceived to operate in the northeast region by the public sector oil and gas majors. GAIL will also lay a 750 km Srikakulam-Angul natural gas pipeline. Barauni will be connected with Guwahati by June 2023. GAIL’s push for infrastructure creation is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of creating a gas-based economy that is less reliant on polluting fuels for meeting its energy needs.
Domestic gas production meets just half of the country’s demand and the rest has to be imported. Besides pipelines, GAIL is also expanding city gas distribution (CGD) networks for retailing of CNG to automobiles and piped natural gas to household kitchens, he said, adding investments are also planned for the expansion of Pata petrochemical plant in Uttar Pradesh as well as converting a LPG recovery unit at Usar in Maharashtra into 5,00,000 tonnes Polypropylene plant. GAIL is looking to put up 400 CNG stations and give out a record 10 lakh piped natural gas (PNG) connections to household kitchens in the next 3-5 years.
show less
Delhi HC stays notices issued by PNGRB to Gail, its subsidiaries over the distribution network
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday, Feb 23, stayed notices issued by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) declaring Gail Gas Limited and its subsidiaries City Gas Distribution Network a common carrier and contract carrier.
read more
The bench of Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh passed an interim order staying the operation and implementation of the Public Notices dated September 13, 2021, and Hearing Notices issued by PNGRB to GGL till the next date of hearing.
These notices issued by PNGRB were regarding inviting comments and holding a hearing regarding the declaration of the following geographical areas as a common carrier or contract carrier. The notices challenged by Gail Gas Limited and its subsidiaries were issued under the PNGRB (Guiding Principles for Declaring City or Local Natural Gas Distribution Network as Common Carrie or Contract Carrier) Regulations, 2020.
Darpan Wadhwa, Senior Advocate appeared and argued on behalf of the PSUs. Where he was advised and represented by a legal team of Karanjawala & Co. comprising of Ruby Singh Ahuja, Hancy Maini, Akanksha Thapa and Lakshya Khanna. Lawyers argued that the aforesaid notices were ultra vires as per the PNGRB Act and suffered from ‘procedural ultra vires’ as they were passed in the absence of Member (Legal) of the Board.
The Petitioner also challenged the “Guiding Principles Regulations” and argued that they are ultra vires of the provisions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006 (“PNGRB Act”). Petitioner stated that by virtue of the Meeting Amendment Regulations the quorum of members has been reduced from three to two members and has resulted in a substantial change in the decision-making process of the Board.
show less
GAIL to remain unaffected by Russia-Ukraine conflict
GAIL handles regasified LNG of around 89 million metric standard cubic meters per day. GAIL India is likely to stay untouched by possible supply disruptions and sanctions, experts and sources have indicated,
read more
despite Russia’s Gazprom contributing around 10% of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) requirements. With European economies dependent on Russian supplies for around 57% of their gas needs, industry experts see this as a business opportunity for the Indian company to sell its LNG from the US in the European market. Spot prices are expected to go up because Russia accounts for around 17% of global natural gas output and about a 25% share in gas exports.
Even after this, India is unlikely to be affected because it is dependent on long-term deals for 80% of its LNG requirements. From April to January this year, India imported 26,785 mmscm of LNG, worth around $9.9 billion. This is much higher than the $7.9 billion during 2020-21.
While spot LNG prices were $27-30 per mmBtu (million metric British thermal units) in January, India was insulated with a price range of $12-14 per mmBtu because of these long-term deals. According to an estimate by CRISIL Research, the prices are expected to rise to $35-40 if war in Ukraine continues.
show less
Policy Matters/ Gas Pricing/ Others
Green tribunal seeks Bengal’s reply on CNG project delay
Clean fuel remains a distant dream for the city’s public transport with an ambitious CNG project caught in alleged land hurdles in six districts. The ministry of petroleum and natural gas, in an affidavit submitted to the National Green
read more
Tribunal (NGT) bench of Justice B Amit Sthalekar (judicial member) and Saibal Gupta (expert member) on Monday, Feb 22, expressed its helplessness in taking the project forward in Bengal, stating that it had been unable to lay pipelines in East Burdwan, Hooghly, Howrah, East Midnapore, Nadia and North 24 Parganas owing to land issues. The bench sought the state’s reply.
The state transport department under Minister Firhad Hakim has been banking on the project to affect a green transition through a mix of CNG and battery-powered buses. This is crucial to cleaning up the city’s ambient air, which is currently “heavily polluted” because of emissions from diesel and petrol vehicles.
The project has been dragging its feet since 2011, when an MoU was signed between the Gas Authority of India (GAIL) and the city’s Greater Calcutta Gas Supply Corporation for a joint venture, Bengal Gas Company, to distribute CNG in the city. The petroleum ministry’s under-secretary said no proposal was pending with them for publishing notification under section 3(1) of the PMP Act, 1962, with reference to laying pipelines in the six Bengal districts.
show less
Financial aid for farmers to fit CNG kits on tractors
Kagal’s Chhatrapati Shahu Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana, one of the country’s leading cooperative sugar factories, has decided to provide financial and technical support to the farmers to fit the CNG kits on their tractors.
read more
The Shahu Group on Tuesday, Feb 22 held demonstrations of the various agricultural operations using the CNG tractors. Last year, union minister Nitin Gadkari had launched the country’s first CNG tractor.
As per the factory authorities, farmers spend over Rs 1 lakh on fuel for agriculture operations. During the crushing season, the tractors are assigned to sugar factories for cane transportation. As per the policy, the cutting and transportation charges are deducted from the farmers’ bills. The use of CNG tractors would help reduce fuel costs by 30% to 35% and ultimately help save the farmers’ money deducted from the bills.
Nitin Gadkari, in his tweet on Wednesday, Feb 23, praised Shahu Factory’s efforts. He wrote, “Congratulations for taking forward this very important initiative of CNG tractor. The CNG tractor will empower farmers to be Atmanirbhar and help farmers save over Rs 1 Lakh per annum towards fuel costs.”
show less
LNG Use / LNG Development and Shipping
Gail India issues swap tender for 12 LNG cargoes for 2022-sources
GAIL (India) Ltd (GAIL.NS) has issued a swap tender offering six Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) cargoes for loading in the United States and seeking six cargoes for delivery into India in 2022.
read more
The natural gas firm is seeking six cargoes for loading from Sabine Pass from April 16 to Sept. 11. It is seeking six other cargoes for delivery into India’s ports of Dahej, Hazira and Dahbol from April 4 to Sept. 12.
The tender closed on Feb. 16. The Indian importer has 20-year deals to buy 5.8 million tonnes a year of U.S. LNG split between Dominion Energy’s D.N Cove Point plant and Cheniere Energy’s LNG.AS Sabine Pass site in Louisiana.
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/gail-india-issues-swap-tender-for-12-lng-cargoes-for-2022-sources
show less
Electric Mobility/ Hydrogen/ Bio- Methane
Government unveils first part of National Hydrogen Policy
The government on Thursday, Feb 17 allowed free inter-state wheeling of renewable energy used in the production of green hydrogen and ammonia as it seeks to boost usage of the carbon-free fuel and make India an export hub.
read more
This hydrogen currently is generated using fossil fuels such as natural gas or naphtha. While hydrogen per se is carbon-free, the use of fossil fuels results in carbon emissions. The government is taking various measures to facilitate the transition from fossil fuel/fossil fuel-based feedstocks to green hydrogen/ green ammonia. In the second phase of the policy, the government would mandate the usage of green hydrogen and green ammonia by plants in a phased manner.
Under the policy, companies will have the liberty to set up the capacity to generate electricity from renewable sources anywhere in the country by themselves or through a developer. They could also buy such power from the exchange. This electricity will be allowed to be wheeled, free of cost through open access of the transmission grid, to the plant where hydrogen is to be produced. The government will also allow the green hydrogen/ammonia manufacturer to bank unconsumed renewable power, for up to 30 days, with the distribution company and take it back when required.
The fuels can be a game-changer for the energy security of India, which imports 85% of its oil and 53% of gas requirements. The policy will aid in India’s energy transition and achieve the target of becoming carbon neutral by 2070. The government wants to bring down the cost of green hydrogen to $1 (Rs 75) per kg from the current $3 to $6.5.
show less
BPCL launches south India’s first EV fast-charging corridors
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has launched EV Fast-Charging Corridors on Chennai – Trichy – Madurai highway, with the rollout of CCS-2 DC Fast chargers at 10 of its conveniently
read more
located fuel stations along the 900 Km route on both sides of the highway. The Company is accelerating its focus on new business segments for sustainable growth and converting 7,000 conventional Retail Outlets into Energy Stations providing multiple fuelling options, which will also include an EV charging facility, in the medium to long term.
BPCL has planned to provide CCS-2 Electric Vehicle charging stations (EVCS) at its fuel stations at periodic intervals on all major national highways connecting major cities, The first phase launch on Chennai – Trichy – Madurai highway will be followed up by key routes which have high existing motorist traffic and a propensity for transition to travel by electric vehicles.
BPCL fuel Stations on highways offer a wide range of conveniences and amenities and we look forward to welcoming and serving our EV customers the Pure for Sure experience in this exciting new and sustainable world of Electric mobility.
The Bharat Petroleum fuel stations offer the consumers with the added convenience of clean and hygienic washrooms for ladies and gentlemen, safe and secure parking while charging, a free digital air facility, 24-hour operations, all of which are critical amenities that motorists look for on highways.
show less
Indian Oil installs more than 1,000 electric vehicle charging stations
IndianOil is gearing up to provide EV charging facilities at 10,000 fuel stations in the next three years, said Director, Marketing V. Satish Kumar. Diversified energy major IndianOil on Friday said it has installed more than 1,000 electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) across the country.
read more
IndianOil had installed its first EV charger for public use in 2017, at Nagpur. Now, the company’s charging points are present in more than 500 towns and cities including multiple state and national highways. Besides, the corporation is planning to have a base of 3,000 plus charging stations to convert highways into e-highways across the country, over the next three years.
As per the ‘National Mission for Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage’, IndianOil is setting up EV charging infrastructure in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Surat, and Pune, followed by state capitals, smart cities, major highways, and expressways.
show less
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Natural Gas / Transnational Pipelines/ Others
Qatar: Natural gas is fuel for sustainable development: GECF secretary-general
As the global population edges towards the 10bn-mark by 2050 and world GDP more than doubles, natural gas will continue to play a crucial role in alleviating energy poverty, fuelling economic growth, expanding prosperity, and
read more
contributing to the protection of the environment, according to Mohamed Hamel, secretary-general of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). More than 3bn people still lack access to clean fuels for cooking. Energy transition in Europe cannot be the same as in India, or in Africa.
Hamel expressed confidence that COP27 in Egypt – a developing country, and in Africa – will mobilise financial resources, transfer of technology, and capacity building to help developing countries mitigate and adapt to climate change. Not investing in natural gas today is a recipe for much higher prices tomorrow. This penalises the poorest and the developing world.
It risks creating a backlash against the very policies that stifled investment, and jeopardising the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and, thus, the very battle on climate change.
show less
U.S. Gain supply biogas to produce hydrogen for California transport
U.S. Gain® announced its renewable natural gas supply will be used as a feedstock into hydrogen production, enabling a greener fueling solution for the California transportation market.
read more
Hydrogen producers are quickly learning the importance of feedstock selection in the production process, especially when the hydrogen is distributed in regions with established clean fuel programs.
Leveraging biomethane in the hydrogen production process can dramatically impact the hydrogen’s carbon intensity (CI) score. A lower CI score translates to improved environmental benefits and additional economic value. For hydrogen producers, the best low-carbon scenario comes from dairy-based biomethane, which results in a CI score as low as -300.
Though hydrogen is emerging in terms of technology readiness and infrastructure availability within the commercial transportation market, demand is certainly increasing thanks to government funding and policy, along with technology advancements that give hydrogen diesel-like performance characteristics.
show less
UK: Biomethane produced in Europe today is 30% cheaper than natural gas
Today, the natural gas price stands at €80 per MWh compared to €18 a year ago. Prices next winter are expected to remain at a similarly high level, according to current estimations. While governments are struggling to reduce the impact of soaring energy prices on citizens’ energy bills.
read more
The price of biomethane can be 30% lower than the current natural gas pricing. Biomethane can be produced starting from €55 per MWh, whereas natural gas costs around €80/MWh, without considering CO2 prices. This renewable gas will likely remain cheaper than natural gas in the short- and long term. While other renewable gases, such as green hydrogen, need time to scale up and are still two-to-four times more expensive, biomethane is available and scalable within the coming eight years. The rapid scale-up of biomethane across Europe could provide at least 34 billion cubic meters of renewable gas by 2030 if underpinned by a supportive legislative framework. This represents around 10% of total EU gas demand by 2050. This potential is reflected in many reports from different sources, including the European Commission. The EBA believes, if the growth trend continues, the biomethane industry could cover 30-40% of the EU gas demand by 2050.
The deployment of biomethane made in Europe can also help stabilise the current gas price increase related to disruptions of supply from third parties. There is an urgent need to reduce reliance on external gas suppliers, as the EU produces today less than 15% of its gas demand. The current conflict between Russia, Europe’s biggest gas supplier, and Ukraine could exacerbate the crisis due to a shortage of gas supplies.
show less
Natural Gas / LNG Utilization
ITALY: IVECO presents first LNG-fueled truck
As part of their sustainability partnership agreement, IVECO and Gruber Logistics presented the first alternative fuel-powered transport vehicle for abnormal loads up to 50 tons, the IVECO S-WAY LNG,
read more
which delivers operational and environmental efficiency. The use of alternative fuel transport solutions for the transportation of abnormal loads is an important milestone on the way to achieving the decarbonization of the sector.
The transport of abnormal loads refers to the transport by road of goods exceeding the weight, dimension and/or safety limits prescribed by the Highway Code and which require special permits in order to be moved. The performance of heavy goods vehicles powered by LNG (standard loads up to 24 tons) is comparable to that of diesel trucks. However, there remains a difference in engine power, which may have an impact on the vehicles’ performance on particularly difficult uphill slopes or when transporting loads that exceed weight limits.
show less
U.S. becomes the largest source of LNG for EU and UK
The United States became Europe’s largest source of LNG in 2021, accounting for 26% of all LNG imported by European Union members and the UK, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said. In 2021,
read more
a large share of Europe’s supply of LNG originated in the United States, Qatar, and Russia. Combined, these three countries accounted for almost 70% of Europe’s total LNG imports.
Exports of LNG from the United States to the EU and UK increased from 3.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in November 2021 to 6.5 Bcf/d in January 2022 — the most LNG shipped to Europe from the United States every month to date, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s LNG Monthly reports and EIA estimates, which are based on LNG shipping data.
Rising U.S. LNG exports are the result of both natural gas supply challenges in Europe and the sizable price differences between natural gas produced in the United States and current prices at European trading hubs. Natural gas delivered by pipeline from Norway, which increased from 10.4 Bcf/d in 2019 and 2020 to 11.1 Bcf/d in 2021, was not enough to offset reduced pipeline receipts from Russia.
show less
Bangladesh to award LNG supply contract to Vitol
Bangladesh will award a contract to the Asian unit of trading house Vitol to supply a cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for mid-March delivery at US$29.70/mmbtu.
read more
High gas prices are hitting countries such as Bangladesh hard as they typically import bigger volumes of spot cargoes than other nations in Asia, leaving them exposed to volatility. With domestic gas production dwindling, the nation of 160 million people is set to be a significant player in the global LNG market, alongside Pakistan and India.
The south Asian country had planned to resume spot LNG purchases from January, but bids as high as US$51/mmbtu forced it to cancel. It then bought two cargoes for February delivery, resuming imports of the super-chilled fuel from the spot market after a nearly three-month hiatus due to high prices. Asian spot LNG prices are hovering at US$25/mmBtu but a colder weather outlook and uncertainty over European gas supply amid geopolitical tensions mean that traders are bullish about potential rises. Bangladesh earlier renewed the leases of five oil-fired power plants which were nearing expiry, despite its plan to move from oil towards natural gas for power generation.
The country has two long-term contracts with Qatargas and Oman Trading International.
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/bangladesh-to-award-lng-supply-contract-to-vitol-officials-say/
show less
Global LNG Development
Thailand PTT-EGAT co-invest in LNG depot
State-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has signed a joint venture agreement with PTT Plc to co-invest in the second liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal project
read more
in Rayong as part of the government plan to develop a regional LNG trade hub. The new facility, called LMPT2, is expected to require EGAT and PTT to spend almost 20 billion baht. PTT initiated and built LMPT2, worth 38.5 billion baht, in Nong Fab starting in 2019. It expects to start operation this year.
The second receiving terminal is designed to have a carrying capacity of 7.5 million tonnes a year. When combined with the first receiving terminal, operated by PTT in Map Ta Phut in Rayong, the total capacity increases to 19 million tonnes. The co-development of LMPT2 followed the decision by the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) to have EGAT and PTT serve as key agencies to drive the government’s regional LNG hub plan, said EGAT governor Boonyanit Wongrukmit.
EGAT along with six other firms were granted LNG shipping licenses to support the state policy to deregulate the LNG market. The NEPC wants EGAT to make a 50% investment in LMPT2 instead of building a floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) in the upper part of the Gulf of Thailand. The FSRU was meant to supply gas to projects at Bang Pakong Power Plant and South Bangkok Power Plant.
However, the NEPC decided to scrap the FSRU project because it is less commercially viable than an FSRU project in the lower part of the Gulf of Thailand, meant to feed gas to a new EGAT-run power plant in Surat Thani’s Phunphin district, according to an energy official who requested anonymity. The PTT-EGAT co-investment in LMPT2 paves the way for the government to achieve its goal of becoming the regional LNG trade hub, said Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2264823/ptt-egat-co-invest-in-lng-depot
show less
China approves new LNG receiving terminal in Fujian province
China’s state economic planner has approved natural gas company Hanas Group’s plan to build a receiving terminal for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the southeastern province of Fujian.
read more
The terminal, estimated to cost 5.26 billion yuan ($829.8 million), will have an annual receiving capacity of 5.65 million tonnes of the super-chilled fuel, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said on Wednesday, Feb 16.
The terminal, to be built in the Meizhouwan port of Fujian province, will have one berth and two storage tanks each sized 200,000 cubic meters. Based in the city of Yinchuan in the northern region of Ningxia, Hanas Group is engaged in piped-gas distribution, natural gas liquefaction and power generation.
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/china-approves-new-lng-receiving-terminal-in-fujian-province/
show less
USA: Bechtel set for April construction start on $25B Louisiana LNG
Bechtel will begin full construction in April on the estimated $25-billion Driftwood liquefied natural gas complex in Louisiana under a $15.5-billion fixed-price contract. Charif Souki, the developer’s executive chairman,
read more
said in a podcast earlier this month that work will start without an official final investment decision while the firm completes finance negotiations. The project, if built to full scope, would include five liquefaction trains, three LNG storage tanks, a marine terminal and a 96-mile pipeline, with about 6,500 construction workers at peak. The spokeswoman said LNG shipment is set to start in 2026. Tellurian noted 10-year agreements with three LNG users for about 9 million metric tons per year. It has completed work on the sixth LNG-processing train at the Sabine Pass facility, also in Louisiana, with the project for Cheniere Energy finished ahead of schedule and within budget. Work began in June 2019. The facility now has total production capacity of about 30 million tons per year. Owner Cheniere Energy said it could make a final investment decision this year on a proposed expansion of its Corpus Christi, Texas LNG facility.
https://www.enr.com/articles/53619-bechtel-set-for-april-construction-start-on-25b-louisiana-lng
show less
North Macedonia to reserve capacities at Greece’s Alexandroupolis LNG terminal
The government of North Macedonia stated, it has started a process to reserve capacities of liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the floating LNG terminal in Greece’s Alexandroupolis, which is currently under construction. In 2021,
read more
North Macedonia’s state-owned company National Energy Resources (NER) and electricity generation utility ESM signed a memorandum of cooperation to invest in the project for the construction of the LNG terminal and a gas-fired power plant in Alexandroupolis. North Macedonia plans to invest over 380 million euros ($432.2 million) in a 25% stake in the planned 800 MW power plant and 370 million euros in a 10% stake in the LNG terminal, former prime minister Zoran Zaev said last year.
The investment will lead to the opening of a second route for LNG supplies to the country, the government said in a statement on Tuesday, Feb 15. Currently, North Macedonia gets gas from Russia through the TurkStream gas pipeline through Bulgaria.
The governments of North Macedonia and Greece in July also signed an agreement for the construction of a cross-border natural gas interconnector worth 100 million euros.
The LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis, which is expected to become operational in early 2023, is planned to comprise an LNG floating storage and regasification unit, which will be a new, independent energy gateway for the markets of Southeastern and Central Europe. The station will have an LNG storage capacity of 170,000 cubic meters and a natural gas supply capacity that will exceed 5.5 billion cubic meters per year.
show less
CHINA: CNOOC begins construction of 6 largest LNG storage tanks in the world
China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) has started to construct the world’s largest liquefied natural gas or LNG storage tanks in Yancheng Binhai Port Industrial Park in East China’s Jiangsu province.
read more
The project includes six new ultra-large tanks, which will have a total storage volume of 270,000 cubic meters and reach a height of 60 meters, equivalent to the height of the National Stadium or the Bird’s Nest, and can hold three Boeing 747s at the same time.
The Jiangsu LNG Binhai Receiving Station, which will house CNOOC’s six LNG storage tanks, is the largest LNG reserve base currently under construction in China. Upon completion at the end of 2023, the project will include 10 tanks, including six new ultra-large tanks that will have an annual LNG processing capacity of six million metric tons and will become the largest LNG storage base in China.
The Jiangsu LNG Binhai Receiving Station will play a key role in optimizing the country’s energy structure, protecting the natural environment, accelerating the industrial transformation of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and helping China help the country keep its pledge to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Six million tons of liquefied natural gas represents sufficient supply for the entire population of Jiangsu Province for about 28 months, and reduce 28.5 million tons of carbon dioxide and 232,500 tons of sulphur dioxide, equivalent to planting 60 million trees.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202202/1252732.shtml
show less
LNG as a Marine Fuel/Shipping
USA: Washington sees record export in liquefied natural gas
The U.S. is reportedly exporting as much liquefied natural gas (LNG) as possible over fears a Russian invasion of Ukraine could prompt an
read more
energy crisis in Europe. Ships are reportedly using all seven U.S. LNG export terminals, marking a record flow of gas.
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-02-15/Washington-sees-record-export-in-LNG-17FWvCrmPKg/index.html
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/gas-market-report-q1-2022/
show less
Wärtsilä to Power Poland’s First LNG-fueled RoPax Vessels
The technology group Wärtsilä has been contracted by Remontowa shipyard in Poland to supply engines, fuel storage and supply systems for three new RoPax vessels,
read more
the first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fuelled RoPax vessels to be built for the Polish maritime sector. The ships will be operated by ferry companies Unity Line and Polferries. The contract with Wärtsilä was signed in January 2022.
The vessels will each operate with four Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines. The LNG-fuelled engines can use bio-LNG, either on their own or blended with conventional LNG, to further reduce their carbon footprint. The operators intend to run the vessels entirely on bio-LNG by 2025.
The efficiency of the Wärtsilä 31DF engine was a key consideration in the award of this contract, Wärtsilä said. The diesel version of the engine has been recognized by Guinness World Records as being the world’s most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine. Wärtsilä will also deliver its LNGPac fuel
The vessels will have an overall length of 195 meters and will be capable of carrying 400 passengers, with 4,100 lane meters for vehicles. They will operate between Swinoujscie in Poland and the Swedish ports of Ystad and Trelleborg.
https://www.marinelink.com/news/wrtsil-power-polands-first-lngfueled-494345
show less
8 LNG cargos to be delivered to Turkey in 10 days
Turkey is expected to receive eight liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargos from countries such as the United States, Equatorial Guinea and Algeria at its LNG terminals by March 6, international shipping data showed on
read more
Thursday, Feb 24. Turkey continues to purchase LNG in order to keep its natural gas tanks full and avoid supply problems, according to the data compiled by Anadolu Agency (AA). It is expected that the LNG cargos will reach the country’s three floating storage and regasification units (FSRU) within 10 days. The arrival dates of the ships to their destinations in Turkey range from Feb 25 to March 6.
Turkey’s oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports increased by 5.5% in December, versus the previous month in 2021 and reached 245,922 tons. In this period, LPG exports made by refinery and distributor license holders increased by 78.1% to approximately 26,748 tons. Exports were made to Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bulgaria, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Switzerland, Marshall Islands, Romania and Turkey’s free trade zones. Turkey’s LPG production in the month rose to 86,295 tons, marking a year-over-year jump of 10.7%. Total LPG sales by distributor license holders in the month amounted to approximately 264,646 tons.
https://www.dailysabah.com/business/energy/8-lng-cargos-to-be-delivered-to-turkey-in-10-days
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/gas-market-report-q1-2022/
show less
Technological Development for Cleaner and Greener Environment Hydrogen & Bio-Methane
Spanish project will allow to produce of biogas and renewable H2 at a low cost
The ECLOSION project will develop new materials, technologies and processes for the generation, storage, transport and use in different applications, including vehicle fuel, of renewable hydrogen and biomethane, obtained from bio-waste (urban, agri-food, wastewater and sewage sludge).
read more
The consortium, coordinated by Aqualia, has the collaboration of 10 prestigious research organizations, including research and technology centers and universities, as well as seven leading companies in the development and implementation of the hydrogen and biomethane value chain. The project will validate disruptive thermochemical, electrochemical and bioelectrochemical systems powered by photovoltaic and wind energy for the energy use of biowaste and wastewater, transforming them into hydrogen and biomethane at low cost. The resulting gas mixtures will be purified using new membranes and an advanced process based on green solvents.
The optimization and combination of these technologies will allow a very significant reduction in the cost of obtaining hydrogen and biomethane. Also, the separated CO2 waste streams will be processed by innovative bioelectrochemical systems to obtain biomethane thanks to the co-production of hydrogen in situ. ECLOSION includes innovative solutions that take advantage of existing infrastructures for the distribution and transport of hydrogen and biomethane.
show less
Scania Brazil sells trucks 100% powered by LNG
In partnership with Scania Brazil, the company Morada Logística announced the acquisition of the first trucks 100% powered by LNG in Brazil. The first vehicle has already been delivered and
read more
its initial route will be on a dedicated route in the interior of São Paulo, starting this month. The model chosen to make up the company’s new fleet of 30 units is the Scania R 410 6×2, with a trailer with three separate axles.
It is the first time that alternative fuel trucks are sold in Brazil. All vehicles will be delivered throughout 2022. In addition to these five units, Morada Logística acquired another 25 Scania trucks that will operate with CNG or bio-CNG.
show less
USA: SoCalGas plans to build largest green hydrogen hub to help decarbonize LA
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) announced its proposal to develop what would be the nation’s largest green hydrogen energy infrastructure system (the “Angeles Link”) to deliver clean, reliable renewable energy to the Los Angeles region.
read more
As proposed, the Angeles Link would support the integration of more renewable electricity resources like solar and wind and would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electric generation, industrial processes, heavy-duty trucks, and other hard-to-electrify sectors of the Southern California economy. It would also significantly decrease demand for diesel and other fossil fuels in the LA Basin, helping accelerate the region’s climate and clean air goals.
As the nation’s largest manufacturing hub, the Los Angeles Basin is home to many potential green hydrogen users. As proposed, Angeles Link’s green hydrogen could: displace up to 3 million gallons of diesel fuel per day by replacing diesel-powered heavy-duty trucks with hydrogen fuel cell trucks, eliminate up to nearly 25,000 tons of smog-forming NOx per year, and provide the clean fuel to convert up to four natural gas power plants to green hydrogen.
show less
Russian researchers develop new material to make CNG more economic
Russian scientists of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) have created a new nanoporous material for natural gas storage. The new material allows increased gas absorption at low pressure and room temperature,
read more
thus eliminating the need for heavy, thick-walled cylinders. A lightweight cylinder with such a nanofiller will not explode and can be used in passenger cars. The study was published in Chemical Engineering Journal.
The use of natural gas as a vehicle fuel is associated with a number of technological challenges. Methane requires either high-pressure compression or low-temperature liquefaction, which are expensive. A promising alternative to compression is adsorption. The adsorbed natural gas (ANG) storage systems operate at lower pressures, use cheaper equipment and appear to be the safest way to store the methane and, consequently, create alternative opportunities for making natural gas vehicles competitive with other fuels. The adsorbent is a key link in the ANG technology. Depending on its characteristics, the adsorption capacity and working capacity be different.
show less
