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What is LNG?
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What is LNG?
What is LNG?
LNG is liquefied natural gas, a clear, colourless, non-toxic liquid that forms when
natural gas is cooled to -162C (-260F). This shrinks the volume of the gas 600 times,
making it easier to store and ship to energy-hungry towns and cities overseas.
Watch the 'Turning natural gas into liquid' animation on YouTube - opens in
new window
Natural gas is a major source of energy, but many towns and cities that need the energy
are located far from the gas fields. Transporting gas by pipeline can be costly and
impractical. We create LNG by cooling the gas to a liquid to -160C, which we can then
ship out, safely and efficiently.
LNG is a clear, colourless, non-toxic liquid that can be transported and stored more
easily than natural gas because it occupies up to 600 times less space.
When LNG reaches its destination, it is returned to a gas at regasification facilities. It is
then piped to homes, businesses and industries.
Shell helped pioneer the LNG sector, providing the technology for the world's first
commercial liquefaction plant at Arzew, Algeria, in 1964. Since then, we have
continued to improve the technology behind LNG.
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