India’s First Small-Scale Liquefied Natural Gas (SSLNG) Unit:
The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas recently inaugurated India’s first small-scale liquefied natural gas (SSLNG) unit at GAIL (India) Ltd’s Vijaipur complex in Madhya Pradesh.
- This development is part of the government’s broader initiative to promote the use of natural gas in various sectors and increase its share in the country’s primary energy mix to 15% by 2030.
- SSLNG involves liquefying and transporting natural gas on a smaller scale, catering to areas without pipeline connections using specialised trucks and vessels.
- Starting from large-scale LNG import terminals, SSLNG can supply LNG directly to consumers via cryogenic road tankers or small vessels, either as a liquid or regasified for traditional uses.
- It will lead to reduced dependency on costly gas imports, especially if it replaces a significant portion of diesel consumption, leading to substantial foreign exchange savings.
- It also promotes cleaner energy and supports India’s transition towards sustainable fuel sources.
- LNG is increasingly used as a fuel for ships and vessels, especially in emission-controlled areas, due to its lower emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter compared to traditional marine fuels.
- LNG is used as a fuel for trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles, offering reduced emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and greenhouse gases compared to diesel.
- LNG is used in gas-fired power plants to generate electricity, providing a cleaner alternative to coal or oil-fired power plants with lower emissions of pollutants.
- LNG can be used in industrial processes for heating and cooling applications, such as in manufacturing, food processing, and refrigeration.
- LNG can complement renewable energy sources like wind and solar by providing backup power when renewable generation is intermittent or unavailable.
