About LNG
LNG stands for Liquefied Natural Gas, natural gas in its liquid form. During a process
called liquefaction, natural gas is chilled and condensed to -260 degrees Fahrenheit,
resulting in the gas becoming a liquid.
Six hundred cubic feet of gas can be condensed into one cubic foot of LNG, making
it more practical to store and transport across long distances via specially designed
transport vessels.
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In Maine and other places, natural gas is used as fuel to generate electricity and |
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other uses, including residential and commercial heating and cooking. In fact, the
United States relies on clean-burning natural gas for approximately 25 percent of
its energy needs.
“If gas demand grows at a rate equal to or higher than recent growth rates, the
region’s gas delivery infrastructure would be |
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insufficient to deliver all needed
gas after 2010,” according
to a March 2005 report issued by the New England Governors’
Conference. |
Where Does LNG Come From?
LNG is produced in several places around the world. Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean is a major supplier to the US market, as are the African nations of Nigeria, Egypt,
and Algeria.
Middle Eastern nations with significant natural gas reserves and liquefaction facilities
include Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Asia also produces LNG. Indonesia is the
world’s largest LNG exporter.
Is LNG Safe?
Yes. LNG has been used safely in the United States for more than 40 years. There
are more than 100 LNG facilities in North America.
LNG is an odorless, non-toxic and non-corrosive liquid, which evaporates quickly
without an ignition source. Despite misconceptions, LNG is not explosive. It is
stored at atmospheric pressure and cannot be released rapidly enough to cause the
overpressures associated with an explosion.
The LNG industry has maintained secure operations around the world for several decades.
According to the Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC),
more than 33,000 shipments of LNG have been transported without serious accident
at sea or port in the past 40 years.
The LNG industry continues to work closely
with the U.S. government to review and
strengthen LNG storage and shipment security.
The LNG industry is rigorously monitored by several federal and state agencies,
including
FERC.
LNG facilities are constructed and maintained under stringent and comprehensive
guidelines that undergo constant review and updates. |
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The
United States Coast Guard
has established safety protocols for all LNG transport
vessels and carefully screens all LNG ships that enter U.S. waters. Coast Guard
regulations include the establishment of safety zones, which are tailored to each particular project to safeguard tankers, harbors,
ports and waterfront facilities.
Why Do We Need It?
Current supplies of natural gas cannot keep up with projected increases in demand
in the northeast.
As the temporary shutdown of the Sable Island gas field in Nova Scotia in December
2007 showed, we are dangerously close to shortages of gas for heat and electrical
generation. Delivery of LNG by ship is the only method for supplementing the existing
natural gas on this continent. |
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