LNGhen

LNGhen is a term used to describe a family of concepts and technologies that aim to integrate liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure with hydrogen production, storage, and utilization, as part of the transition to a hydrogen economy. It is not a single standard or device, but a label applied to projects and proposals that seek to repurpose LNG terminals and fleets to handle hydrogen or hydrogen-rich fuels.

Origin and scope: The term began appearing in policy and industry discussions in the early 2020s as nations explored decarbonization of gas supply chains. LNGhen encompasses both near-term retrofit scenarios and longer-term strategies for incorporating hydrogen into existing energy infrastructure, often with the goal of leveraging established LNG assets to support broader decarbonization goals.

Technology and approaches: Key ideas include retrofitting LNG terminals to support hydrogen handling, either by enabling hydrogen blending with LNG streams at regasification or by producing hydrogen on-site at terminals via reforming with carbon capture, while maintaining LNG export capability. Other variants involve dual-fuel equipment, cryogenic storage considerations, and logistics pathways for transporting hydrogen or hydrogen-enriched fuels using LNG infrastructure. Safety, material compatibility, and boil-off gas management are central concerns in all variants.

Environmental and economic considerations: Proponents emphasize leveraging existing LNG assets to reduce capital expenditure for early hydrogen deployment. The environmental impact of LNGhen depends on methane leakage, the energy efficiency of hydrogen production, and the broader carbon intensity of the fuel cycle. Economic viability relies on hydrogen demand, regulatory support, and policy incentives, as well as the performance of retrofit technologies.

See also: Liquefied natural gas, Hydrogen economy, Hydrogen storage, Gas reforming, Carbon capture and storage.