What is Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)?

What is LNG? LNG stands for liquefied natural gas, a form of natural gas cooled to approximately -162°C, transforming it into a liquid state. But what is liquefied natural gas in simple terms? It is a gas composed mainly of hydrocarbons, with 90-99% methane and small amounts of secondary components such as ethane, propane, and butane. Through a liquefaction process, LNG reduces its volume by about 600 times, making its transportation and storage much easier and more efficient.

How is Liquefied Natural Gas Produced?

To better understand LNG, it is useful to know the steps involved in its production process. It all begins with the extraction of natural gas from fields located in countries such as Algeria, Australia, Nigeria, Norway, Qatar, and the United States. The gas is then purified to remove impurities like carbon dioxide, water, and sulfur compounds. Once cleaned, it is gradually cooled to reach the necessary liquefaction temperature. This step is crucial as it produces a high-energy-density fuel that is easy to transport and store in specialized cryogenic tanks.

Transporting Liquefied Natural Gas: Technologies and Challenges

One of the most complex aspects of LNG is its transportation. To deliver LNG safely and efficiently, LNG carriers are used—specialized ships designed to maintain the gas in liquid form using cryogenic tanks. Once LNG reaches its destination, it is converted back into gaseous form and distributed via pipeline networks or transported by road tankers.

One crucial aspect of LNG is its lack of natural odor, which requires adding an artificial odor to ensure safety in case of leaks. For this reason, regulations require an odorization process before LNG can be used and transported. This process takes place within REMI (Regulation and Measurement) stations, which serve as the Gas Delivery Points (PDC)—the link between local distribution networks and the national gas transportation system.

LNG and the Future of Energy

Liquefied natural gas is playing an increasingly central role in the global energy landscape. Thanks to its characteristics, LNG is seen as a key resource for the energy transition, as it emits less CO2 than other fossil fuels such as coal and oil. Additionally, its flexible transportation capabilities make it accessible even in geographically isolated areas, contributing to the energy security of many nations.

Moreover, its high calorific value makes LNG a highly efficient energy source for industries and businesses with significant energy demands.

Italgas and LNG: Innovation for a Sustainable Transition

Italgas is investing in innovative technologies for LNG to make the sector more efficient and sustainable. The company is developing solutions to improve LNG transportation infrastructure, optimize network management, and integrate LNG with other clean energy sources.

In Italy, Italgas is making progress through its subsidiary Medea, a company specializing in natural gas distribution in Sardinia. A key example is the Oristano coastal depot, which has helped Sardinia overcome its historical lack of methane supply. Thanks to cutting-edge infrastructures, such as digitized networks monitored by DANA and cryogenic storage facilities, the island now benefits from a safer and more efficient LNG supply. The network extends over 2,700 kilometers and includes 98 cryogenic LNG storage facilities.

Another major milestone was achieved with the conversion of Olbia’s gas network from LPG to methane in December 2023, impacting 7,500 households. This transition led to significant benefits, including up to 30% savings on energy bills and a 10% reduction in CO2 emissions. Additionally, the installation of next-generation smart meters has enabled more efficient energy consumption management.