Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Why in news?

• Blue Energy Motors, a two-year old start-up backed by a Singapore-based firm, unveiled India’s first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) fuelled green truck in Chakan near Pune

How do Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) trucks work?

• Liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicles work much like gasoline-powered vehicles with a spark-ignited internal combustion engine.
• The natural gas is supercooled and cryogenically stored in liquid form, usually in a tank on the side of the truck.
• Because it is a liquid, the energy density of LNG is greater than CNG, so more fuel can be stored on board the vehicle.

What is Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)?

• Natural gas is a fossil energy source that formed deep beneath the earth’s surface.
• Natural gas contains different compounds. The largest component of natural gas is methane, a compound with one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms (CH4).
• Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state, at about -260° Fahrenheit, for shipping and storage. 
• The volume of natural gas in its liquid state is about 600 times smaller than its volume in its gaseous state. This process makes it possible to transport natural gas to places where pipelines do not reach.

Benefits of LNG:

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions:
  • It generates 30% less carbon dioxide than fuel oil and 45% less than coal.
  • The combustion of natural gas evaporates much more quickly in the air, compared to fossil fuel, leaving no particles or residue. So, there’s far less spreading of oils after LNG spills. It contributes to far lower carbon emissions also.
• Consistency and reliable supply:
  • LNG has a higher energy density, which means, in comparison to crude oil, more energy can be stored and transported for the same amount of volume.
• Cost effective:
  • LNG’s volume has been reduced to 1/600th of its un-liquified state, making it easier to contain and transport. LNG also weighs less than one-half as much as water, so it is lighter also.
• Cleaner atmosphere and more efficient:
  • Natural gas burns extremely efficiently, producing mainly heat and water vapour, and it’s much more cost-effective.
  • It reduces nitrogen oxide emissions, does not emit soot, dust or fumes, and produces insignificant amounts of sulfur dioxide, mercury, and other particulates compared to other fuels.

Add ons:

• India has a target of a 15% share for natural gas in India’s total energy mix by 2030

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements:

1. The volume of natural gas in its liquid state is higher than its volume in its gaseous state

2. The largest component of natural gas is methane

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

                        B

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