LNG Regasification Terminals: The Role of Geography and Meteorology on Technology Choices

Randeep Agarwal, Thomas J. Rainey, S. M. Ashrafur Rahman, Ted Steinberg, Robert K. Perrons and Richard J. Brown
Additional contact information
Randeep Agarwal: Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
Thomas J. Rainey: Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
S. M. Ashrafur Rahman: Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
Ted Steinberg: Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
Robert K. Perrons: Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
Richard J. Brown: Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia

Energies, 2017, vol. 10, issue 12, 1-19

Abstract: Liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects are regulated by host countries, but policy and regulation should depend on geography and meteorology. Without considering the role of geography and meteorology, sub-optimal design choices can result, leading to energy conversion efficiency and capital investment decisions that are less than ideal. A key step in LNG is regasification, which transforms LNG back from liquid to the gaseous state and requires substantial heat input. This study investigated different LNG regasification technologies used around the world and benchmarked location and meteorology-related factors, such as seawater temperatures, ambient air temperatures, wind speeds and relative humidity. Seawater vaporizers are used for more than 95% of locations subject to water quality. Ambient air conditions are relatively better for South America, India, Spain and other Asian countries (Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Thailand) and provide a much cleaner regasification technology option for natural and forced draft systems and air-based intermediate fluid vaporizers. On a global basis, cold energy utilization currently represents <1% of the total potential, but this approach could deliver nearly 12 Gigawatt (GW) per annum. Overall, climate change is expected to have a positive financial impact on the LNG regasification industry, but the improvement could be unevenly distributed.

Keywords: liquefied natural gas (LNG) cold energy; LNG; vaporizer; regasification; meteorology; geography; climate change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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