The cryogenic process of liquefying natural gas reduces its volume by 600 times. That is like shrinking the volume of a 17” beach ball down to a ping-pong ball. Liquefying natural gas makes transporting it by ship economical and costs continue to decline as worldwide LNG shipping capacity grows. Large natural gas reserves exist worldwide that can only be brought to market in liquefied form. LNG comes from an increasingly diverse group of countries including Algeria, Australia, Qatar, Trinidad and Tobago and others. LNG imports account for three percent (600 billion cubic feet) of U.S. natural gas consumption and are expected to grow throughout the decade.
Supporters of LNG indicate that greater imports of natural gas can help ameliorate the impact of high, volatile natural gas prices. Others point to concerns over safety and terrorism and question moving toward a greater reliance on imports despite the existence of abundant domestic natural gas reserves.
AGA supports increased imports of LNG as one solution among many for increasing supplies of natural gas. The availability of a diverse supply portfolio, including LNG, will enhance reliability and stabilize prices to consumers. Increased imports of LNG can have a positive near-term impact on the marketplace.
Articles and Resources
- DOE Initiates Series of LNG Public Education Forums
- LNG: Understanding the Basic Facts [3.37MB PDF]
- LNG Seen to Benefit Consumers, Natural Gas Markets, as Imports Rise
- LNG Safety Study: Guidance on Risk Analysis and Safety Implications of a Large Liquefied
- Natural Gas Spill Over Water [1.6MB PDF]
- LNG Contracts, Authorizations, DOE’s Natural Gas Regulatory Responsibilities, etc
Industry and Government Links
- California Energy Commission LNG Resources
- The Center for LNG
- DOE LNG Resources
- FERC's LNG Resources
- DOT's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration LNG Website
U.S. Coast Guard's Deepwater Ports Website