Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state, typically at around –162 °C (–260 °F), to reduce its volume for easier storage and transportation. In its liquid form, natural gas takes up about 1/600th of its gaseous volume, making it efficient to move long distances where pipelines are not practical.

LNG is composed mainly of methane (CH₄), with small amounts of other hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, and butane. Before liquefaction, impurities like water, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide are removed to prevent freezing or corrosion.

Once transported—usually by specialized cryogenic tankers—LNG is regasified at import terminals and fed into natural gas pipelines for use in power generation, heating, industrial processes, or as a fuel for ships and heavy vehicles.

From an environmental and energy perspective, LNG is considered a transition fuel because it produces lower carbon dioxide emissions than coal or oil when burned, although methane leakage across its life cycle remains a significant climate concern.