Hydrocarbon Processing - August 2021 - GP-17

SPECIAL FOCUS: SMALL-SCALE LNG
SSLNG-to-power solutions
for optimized CAPEX and OPEX
R. BRANNOCK, TGE Gas Engineering GmbH, Manchester, UK and
J. TERPITZ, TGE Gas Engineering GmbH, Bonn, Germany
LNG-to-power has become an established
term in the international energy
industry, whereby gas-fueled power stations
are exclusively supplied from an adjacent
LNG storage terminal. Typically
used for remote locations with no nearby
natural gas pipeline grid in the vicinity,
small-scale LNG (SSLNG)-to-power is
the fuel supply solution.
On demand, these terminals can be
additionally equipped with LNG distribution
facilities-e.g., truck or ISO container
loading. The market demand development
of this type of infrastructure has
been observed for several years already.
SSLNG-to-power business case.
Multiple key drivers exist for the development
of SSLNG-to-power projects.
Lower LNG costs compared to oil will
always be viewed positively. Additionally,
increased LNG supply is coming from
the expansion of existing, large-scale production
facilities and the development
of new facilities, particularly in the U.S.
(using shale gas feed) and Russia (using
arctic-region gas). High LNG supply can
be expected for the upcoming decade to
ensure stability of supply. A general increase
in renewable energy sources also
will be seen, particularly wind and solar;
however, the renewable sources may not
provide sufficient electricity on demand
for high energy peaks.
The worldwide target for reduction of
CO2 emissions will force the replacement
of heavy-carbon fuels with lower-carbon
methane fuel. Environmental and associated
societal pressures will demand that
governments push for greener developments,
and may create further opportunity
via reduced taxes, fees and funding.
Many market players
SSLNG to mean LNG receiving installations
with a yearly throughput up to
0.5 MMtpy. This is in comparison to
" LNG as fuel " installations with throughputs
below 0.05 MMtpy and, on the
larger side, mid-scale LNG receiving terminals
up to 2 MMtpy and world-scale
LNG receiving terminals with throughputs
greater than 2 MMtpy.
Many prospects exist in the global
market whereby SSLNG-to-power installations
will be viable economic and environmental
solutions.
SSLNG-to-power supply chain. The
typical LNG supply chain for an SSLNG
plant is similar to that of other LNG supply
chains. The LNG is received from an
LNG liquefaction plant using an LNG
carrier (LNGC) (FIG. 1); however, growth
is seen in breakbulk LNG reception terminals,
whereby larger deliveries are reloaded
onto smaller LNGCs or barges
for delivery to small-scale storage units.
At the small-scale storage unit, the LNG
can be stored, pumped and vaporized and
then routed directly to a local power plant.
In addition to supplying fuel directly
to the power station, LNG can be supplied
to other customers depending on
the location. This may include LNG distribution
to other LNG satellite stations,
to LNG fueling stations, other mini-power
generation sites or for fueling marine
operations (FIG. 2).
SSLNG-to-power plant outline. When
establishing small-scale, standalone solutions,
the first key features that must be
assessed and designed are ship unloading
and the requirements for additional marine
infrastructure. Consideration must
be given to the design of the LNG storage
and regasification methods, as well as the
boil-off gas management.
Additional options and synergies may
be investigated. These include the " total
solution " concept, whereby the power
plant and LNG storage facilities are heavily
integrated or have combined infrastructure.
Further options may include additional
truck loading for mini-scale power
understand
FIG. 1. The typical LNG supply chain for an SSLNG plant is similar to that of other LNG supply
chains, whereby the LNG is received from an LNG liquefaction plant using an LNG carrier.
Gas Processing & LNG | JULY/AUGUST 2021 17

Hydrocarbon Processing - August 2021

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