The liquid natural gas (LNG) industry has always been a volatile market, even as it grows and offers businesses more opportunities to save energy globally. LNG remains one of the world’s fastest-growing fuel resources, as demand has increased following the coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to LNG, natural gas is much more readily available, as it’s transported around the globe in huge tankers, making it a convenient option for businesses and gas producers worldwide.

With temperatures rising around the globe and climate change being one of the top topics around, there’s no doubt that energy businesses need to focus their efforts on natural gases to lower the environmental impact and its consequences. Compared to fossil fuels, LNG has a much brighter future. If managed successfully, the implementation of LNG can improve environmental performance. Let’s take a look at the ways LNG is positive for the global environment and why energy businesses should make natural gas a top priority. 

LNG reduces greenhouse gas emissions

LNG is used across many business sectors within the industrial sector, including commercial, marine, and road transport – and it’s a clean-burning, low-carbon fuel that’s much more efficient and easier to transport. LNG has proven to be better than any other fossil fuel for the environment, as 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 than traditional heavy fuel oils, leaving no particles or residue on the environment.  

This also means there’s far less spreading of oils after LNG spills because it dissipates quickly into the atmosphere. While LNG still does have an environmental footprint, it contributes to far fewer carbon emissions. Data from the Energy Information Administration shows that since 2006, increased use of natural gas has driven carbon dioxide savings. There’s no doubt that LNG has played a significant role in reducing CO2 emissions globally, and as a cleaner fuel, it’s expected to replace traditional fuels for power generation eventually.

Consistency and reliable supply

Since LNG is a natural gas that has been cooled down to liquid form, it’s much more reliable and can be transported in large quantities. As well as saving on carbon emissions, LNG has a higher energy density, meaning more energy can be stored and cheered for the same volume. The LNG market has fluctuated over the years, but LNG producers have been able to keep up with the demand. However, production companies need to shift how they conduct business if they genuinely want to capture the potential of LNG and help save the environment. This could include optimizing the supply chain, using more energy-efficient equipment, and constantly looking for energy-saving options. 

Cleaner atmosphere and more efficient

LNG contributes to cleaner air in several ways. For example, natural gas burns extremely efficiently, producing mainly heat and water vapor, and it’s much more cost-effective. According to research, natural gas releases 56% fewer greenhouse gases than coal for the same amount of electricity. However, natural gas has often raised concerns because it is made up of predominantly methane, which is nearly just as potent as greenhouse gases – and methane emissions are the second largest cause of global warming. Fortunately, we’re in an age where gas transition and distribution companies have the opportunity to utilize technology to help improve productivity and lower the carbon economy. A range of new technologies, like microscopic nanotubes, can reduce carbon emissions. In this digital era, LNG producers can apply data and analytic techniques to optimize operations, reducing costs and energy. Above all, LNG has a range of benefits for the environment, and according to research, natural gas is one of the main reasons carbon dioxide emissions are at their lowest in almost 25 years.

Liquid Natural Gas, like other energy sources, has an impact on the environment. Still, as proven above, this impact has been largely positive, especially over the last two decades. It is less damaging to the environment than other fossil fuels, as greater use of natural gas and LNG has contributed to reduced carbon emissions and provided reliable support and backup for renewable energy.

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