Bio and Synthetic LNG Offer Viable Pathway towards Decarbonization

(SEA-LNG/NGV Journal) SEA-LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition, has released the latest in its series of independently conducted reports. The CE Delft study analyses the availability and costs of bio-LNG and synthetic-LNG and concludes that both could become available in sufficient quantities to make a contribution towards future decarbonization for the shipping industry, and that the costs need not be significantly higher than those of other low- and zero-carbon fuels.

The study explores the potential availability and cost of bio-LNG and synthetic-LNG with the aim of providing industry-leading, timely, and proven analysis to support the growing case for these green fuels in driving forward LNG as a decarbonization solution towards 2030, 2050, and beyond.

The findings are that both bio-LNG and synthetic-LNG are scalable solutions for the maritime sector, with estimated sustainable global supplies potentially exceeding the demands of shipping in the future, and likely to be commercially competitive relative to other low- and zero-carbon fuels. Further, the growing LNG-fueled fleet could use bio-LNG and synthetic-LNG without requiring major modifications, and the existing supply infrastructure will remain fit for bunkering purposes with either fuel.

The study was conducted by independent research and consultancy organization CE Delft and commissioned by SEA-LNG. The study included the latest academic and industry literature, comprising thorough analysis of circa 150 publications.

“Based on an extensive review of the global availability of biomass, and the maturity of technologies to produce biomethane and synthetic methane, we conclude that, in principle, sufficient amounts could be produced to fuel the shipping sector. However, other sectors are also likely to demand methane, and there needs to be significant investments in production capacity,” said Dagmar Nelissen (CE Delft).

Analysis of the global sustainable biomass resource shows that biomethane from energy crops, agricultural residues, forestry products and residues could significantly exceed the global total energy demand of the maritime sector. The sustainable potential for bio-LNG could be substantially higher in 2050 compared to 2030, even when excluding aquatic biomass, which has the potential to play a dominant role in the long term. The biomass resources from which this biofuel can be produced are globally available.

The availability of synthetic-LNG will be dependent on the future build-out of renewable electricity capacity, and therefore relies on investment within this space. This will also be a key driver within the development of other synthetic fuels reliant on renewable electricity, such as green hydrogen and ammonia.

Moreover, the production costs of bio-LNG and synthetic-LNG could be broadly comparable to other renewable fuels like green hydrogen and ammonia, as they the advantage that they can be transported, stored and bunkered, utilizing existing and technically matured LNG infrastructure.

“The shipping industry faces unprecedented challenges if it is to meet the IMO’s decarbonization targets,” commented Peter Keller, Chairman, SEA-LNG. “Confusing and countering claims abound for different zero-emissions technologies – all of which require decades of research and development before they are proven safe for marine operations, globally available, and commercially viable.”

“By investing in LNG-fueled vessels now, ship owners can realize immediate GHG benefits – up to 21% on a Well-to-Wake basis and 28%, Tank-to-Wake, including the impact of methane emissions. As bio-LNG and synthetic-LNG become available at scale, the carbon-free future will become reality,” he added. READ MORE