LNG

Japan’s JERA has signed a six-year throughput agreement with Dunkerque LNG for 2 bcm/y, equivalent to about 1.5 mtpa of regas capacity starting 2031. The agreement complements JERA’s 5.5 mtpa of new US LNG supply under flexible FOB contracts.

Toho Gas is developing a Cryo-DAC prototype direct air capture plant, designed to absorb one tonne of CO2 a year by using ‘cold energy’ from LNG regas terminals. The protype at Nagoya University is due completed and operational later this year.

Taiwan is one of the few markets in Asia where LNG demand is rising with a steady and substantial pace. Over 4.4 GW of new gas-fuelled power generation capacity is scheduled to start operations, underpinning LNG imports, while Taiwan’s law-making court is reviewing if the runtime of the final 951 MW unit at Maanshan nuclear power station can be extended.

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March 3 (LNGJ) - Bureau Veritas, the French classification society, has granted approval for the design of a “cryo-powered regas” system for  an LNG floating storage and regasification unit. The system recovers cold energy during regasification and uses it for power generation. The approval was issued to both Japanese shipping company Mitsui Osk Lines (MOL) and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering.  

   The system is based on the Organic Rankine Cycle, a proven technology used in multiple onshore LNG terminals for decades. However, Bureau Veritas pointed out that this would be the first time the system has been developed for use in a floating terminal. MOL and DSME plan to test the technology in a small-scale pilot facility early in 2021 and be able to provide the technology to customers in future FSRU projects.

Running the new efficient power stations on LNG helps Pakistan save between $2 billion and $3 billion in fuel costs. Pakistan LNG sources cost-competitive spot LNG cargoes for the three new combined-cycle plants – the Balloki, Haveli Bahadur Shah and Bhikki CCGTs.

The American Bureau of Shipping, the US classification society, said it had published new comprehensive guidance for the construction and classing of liquefied natural gas regasification vessels.

Enagas, the Spanish natural gas company and LNG terminals owner, said it plans to build a new reception terminal at El Musel, near the city of Gijón in northern Spain.

Golar LNG, the shipping company with a midstream investment strategy, reported increased operating income of $23.9 million for the third quarter because of improved spot vessel earnings, but still posted a net loss for the three months of $5.9M because of interest rate swaps.

The $700-million Broadwater LNG project to be located in Long Island Sound, off New York State, has gained initial environmental approval from the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

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