Not to be confused with LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), which we most commonly associate with barbeque bottles, LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is natural gas, the same gas that we might have piped into our homes, to power our stoves or gas heaters. LNG is predominantly composed of methane, whereas LPG is a petroleum derivative.

 

LNG is an odourless, colourless, non-toxic, non-corrosive substance. It is predominantly composed of methane and is a natural gas that becomes a liquid when cooled to approximately -160°C. As a liquid, it is 600 times denser than natural gas, therefore liquefying natural gas makes it much easier to transport as it takes up far less volume.

 

Natural gas, as the name suggests, is produced naturally and there is an abundant supply in Australia. It is thought there may be 80 to 100 years reserves of natural gas, given current demand projections. Some of the sources include:

• Natural gas fields

• Oil fields

• Coal seam methane

• Landfill

• Sewerage

• Digesters (decomposing foodstuffs)

 

Widespread use of LNG is still in its infancy in Australia, however there are many uses for it, including:

• Generating electricity

• Fuel for buses and taxis

• Fuel for ferries and ships

• A gas source when no pipeline gas is available

• Back-up supplies for the natural gas pipeline network

• Fuel for heavy duty vehicles