What is LNG?

LNG (liquefied natural gas) is obtained by cooling the natural gas to about -162 °C at atmospheric pressure and is an odorless, colorless and non-toxic liquid phase fuel. Since the volume of the liquid phase is reduced about 600 times in the transition process, it is more suitable for transporting and storing than gaseous phase. It is then converted into gaseous phase again and offered for consumption. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is an efficient fuel with a low pollution rate and a high calorific value compared to the natural gas which is transported by pipelines because the oxygen, carbon dioxide, sulfur components and water are eliminated during processing. LNG can be used easily in all facilities meeting their energy needs with alternative fuels and have high fuel consumption.

 

History of LNG and its importance

The first of the international LNG cargo exports were made to England from Algeria in 1965. While the number of countries producing LNG and exporting overseas was only 8 in 1996, this number is more than 25 nowadays. The studies on LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) started in 1984 in order to increase supply security and supply flexibility in Turkey and BOTAŞ Marmara Ereğlisi LNG terminal was commissioned in 1994 to be used as a base load facility and a peak reducing Terminal.

Especially in the winter period, peak natural gas consumption reaches to a level of 250-300 million m³/day in the country, and it is predicted that the demand will increase more in the future due to the growth of the economy. Our country, which ranks 7th among LNG importing countries, has to import additional LNG to meet the natural gas demand which seems to increase more in the next 10 years. Establishment of the physical infrastructure required for LNG importation is vital in terms of natural gas supply flexibility and supply security.