Combustion of natural gas generates abt. 30% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than fuel oil and abt. 45% less than coal, with a twofold reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) and almost no environmentally damaging sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions.

Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel. In the context of the current energy transition, it represents an excellent transition fuel to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat global warming. By developing the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (“LNG”) – particularly for industry and transport in emerging markets – Norgas aims to actively contribute to social and economic development while at the same time providing cleaner fuels.

A switch from more carbon-intensive fuels to natural gas can mean significant carbon abatement itself. In the United States, for example, the switch from coal- to gas-fired power (facilitated by lower gas prices since 2008) abated more carbon emissions than all the renewable power capacity ever installed in the country. LNG is further an efficient and clean “peaker fuel” that can be combined with periodically available renewable power such as solar and wind.

A deeper decarbonization of natural gas can also be achieved in different ways:

  • Carbon Capture Usage and Storage is an existing technology where the CO₂ can be captured prior or post combustion of the natural gas. Depending on the projects the CO₂ can either be injected and stored in suitable reservoirs or alternatively used in various industrial appliances. There are natural gas fueled powerplants under development that captures the CO₂ along with other industrial gasses, providing not only cleaner but also cheaper electricity from Natural Gas.
  • BioLNG or synthetic LNG is another promising route to decarbonization of Natural Gas. Bio-LNG is a credible zero-carbon pathway with massive, unrealized potential utilizing the same infrastructure as LNG. Bio-LNG is locally produced fuel which is gained from the biogas produced from waste streams such as organic household waste, sludge, manure or agricultural waste. This biogas is upgraded and liquefied into Bio-LNG, consisting of almost 100% methane. By producing fuel from waste, Bio-LNG contributes to a circular economy. When it comes to 100% biomethane, and particularly when it is produced from liquid manure, the GHG emissions balance is even negative.

LNG characteristics

  • LNG is the acronym for liquefied natural gas which is 95% methane.
  • LNG is -162°C, at atmospheric pressure. It is colorless, odorless and non-toxic.
  • Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel. Its combustion generates 30% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than fuel oil and 45% less than coal, releases 80% less nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions with negligible sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions.

LNG transportation

  • To enable maritime transport, the gas is cooled down by means of a refrigerated cycle into a liquid form.
  • Once liquified, the gas occupies 1/600 of its original volume therefore can be stored in tanks and loaded easily into ISO containers or into LNG carriers for safe and efficient shipment across the world.
  • After arriving at its destination, LNG is warmed to return to its gaseous state (regasification) and delivered via established transportation methods, such as pipelines, to end users.

LNG uses

  • Various industries use LNG including construction, manufacturing, marine, power generation, transportation
  • LNG is used in the residential sector for cooking and heating purposes