Large / regional solutions

  • Extensive (or even large) LNG infrastructure is used mainly by multinational energy companies or gas transmission system operators (TSOs). The main objective of a "large" LNG terminal is to provide a diversified source of natural gas to a given EU Member State / region. The standard size of a large-capacity LNG tanker is 120,000 - 135,000 m³ LNG (75 - 85 million m3 of gas)
  • Large-capacity LNG terminals are located on the coast, in coastal waters or as floating equipment (FSRUs) that allow LNG tankers to arrive. This type of natural gas supply is not possible for landlocked countries, as the costs of transhipment and ancillary technologies affect the price of gas traded on the market
  • The output of the terminal is dominated by the conversion of LNG to gas and subsequent transport and distribution through a new entry point into the pipeline network. Relatively small amounts of LNG are used to re-export LNG from the terminal and to transport LNG
  • EU regulators as well as Member State governments are key decision-makers in this area

Small / application solutions

  • Small or application solutions for LNG supply are mainly in retail with natural gas consumption. mber State governments are key decision-makers in this area. The main goal of small LNG is to bring natural gas ("backyard") closer to the final small and medium-sized consumer. In places with missing or unsuitable pipeline infrastructure infrastructure applications such as
    • a mobile gas source for the development of small urban gas networks
    • an alternative source of pipeline gas supply during repairs and accidents
    • a back-up source for industrial use and peak coverage
    • temporary gas source for the gas supply season (agricultural sector, food industry)
  • Heavy transport is another application of small LNG infrastructures, as there has been a rapid development of LNG engines in the last ten years
  • In 2013, Volvo Trucks introduced its D13-LNG prototype engine, the first integrated natural gas solution for the North American market
  • In 2014, Iveco introduced the Starlis heavy truck for LNG, which is available for Europe
  • Scania introduced its LNG-powered product in the tractor category in 2016

Almost all heavy goods vehicles and public bus manufacturers are developing LNG-powered products and expect an increase in demand.