LNGpowered

LNGpowered refers to technology and applications that use liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a fuel for internal combustion engines or gas turbine systems. LNG is natural gas cooled to cryogenic temperatures and stored in insulated tanks. When used in engines, LNG can be burned in dedicated or dual-fuel configurations, enabling operation with methane as the principal fuel. The LNG supply chain includes cryogenic storage, bunker stations or mobile refueling, and LNG-compatible engines, with systems to manage boil-off gas and minimize losses.

Applications for LNGpowered technology include heavy-duty road transport such as long-haul trucks and buses, maritime propulsion for ferries and short-sea shipping, and stationary power generation or industrial equipment in remote locations. The approach is promoted in regions seeking lower soot and particulate emissions or diversifying away from oil-based fuels.

Benefits of LNGpowered include reduced particulate matter and NOx emissions relative to conventional diesel and potential reductions in CO2 life-cycle emissions when methane leakage is controlled. Challenges include methane slip along the supply chain, higher capital costs for LNG infrastructure and engines, and a longer refueling cycle for some fleets. Infrastructure, supply security, and fuel price volatility can affect adoption.

Safety and regulation cover cryogenic handling, proper storage and bunkering procedures, and compliance with national and international standards for transport, storage, and use of LNG. Ongoing research and policy support influence the pace and geographic distribution of LNGpowered adoption.