Driving the viability of micro-LNG projects

T. Bowman, Siemens, Houston, Texas In recent years, as the world has increasingly shifted away from heavier distillates in favor of cleaner-burning fuel sources, the role of natural gas in the global energy landscape has expanded dramatically. According to Shell, through 2035, demand for natural gas is expected to reach more than 4,500 Bm3y, up from 3,600 Bm3y in 2018. During that period, LNG is forecast to lead the way among supply sources, growing at 4%/yr.1 On a volume basis, the overwhelming majority of liquefaction capacity being brought online in the coming years will be from mid- and large-scale projects. However, small- and micro-scale LNG are increasingly emerging as solutions to