The prospects of LNG export and its limitations

Conference · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Pap., Int. Conf. Liquefied Nat. Gas; (United States)

OSTI ID:6727585

Mossadeghi, T

The world-wide reserve-production ratio for natural gas is 54 yr (based on 1975 data) as compared with 37 yr for oil; however, the location of major sources of gas in relation to the consuming centers is such that the majority of gas export projects which are possible by pipeline (192,300 million cu m/yr) are either in operation, under construction, or proposed. Accordingly, the future of the international gas trade depends on LNG projects under construction or proposed aggregating 168,300 million cu m/hr. The cost of liquefying gas is 1.5-2.0 times the cost of refining crude oil in a fuel-type refinery, the energy consumed is double that for refining, and transport costs are 6-8 times higher for LNG than for crude oil. From Iran LNG costs CIF Western Europe or Japan are in the range of $2.65-$2.90/million Btu, and for the U.S. east coast $3.00 to $3.25/million Btu; however, these LNG costs are competitive with long-distance pipeline gas or with synfuels. Only modest cost reductions in LNG appear possible for new projects. A large part of the LNG cost is financial, and low interest rate loans could cut the LNG cost more than any other conceivable measure.

• Research Organization: Natl. Iran. Gas Co.
• OSTI ID: 6727585
• Report Number(s): CONF-770879-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Pap., Int. Conf. Liquefied Nat. Gas; (United States) Journal Volume: I-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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03 NATURAL GAS
030400* -- Natural Gas-- Products & By-Products
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ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY SOURCES
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FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
LIQUEFIED GASES
LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS
MINERAL RESOURCES
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