Against a backdrop of energy security, and the need for accessible, affordable and sustainable energy, LNG has an important role to play as a transition fuel. As low-carbon and renewable energy sources continue to scale, organizations like the International Energy Agency emphasize the ability of LNG to support grid stability and provide reliable power at a time when global population growth will drive the demand for even more energy.
The global LNG market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a projected 40 percent capacity increase through to 2028 (Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis). Today, LNG is shipped from 20 countries to more than 40 countries worldwide, supplying regions that rely on this critical energy source. The largest importer is Japan, followed closely by China. But why is LNG in such high demand? The answer lies in its versatility and reliability across multiple applications.
In power generation, natural gas provides a stable and lower-emission energy source. Natural gas power plants can quickly ramp up or down to meet demand, helping to balance fluctuations in the power grid. This flexibility makes LNG a practical complement to renewable sources like wind and solar, which are intermittent by nature, in ensuring grid stability.
Beyond power generation, LNG is a key energy source and feedstock for industries such as chemicals, fertilizers, steel and cement. It also plays an essential role in everyday life, used in residential and commercial settings for heating and cooking.
At ABB Energy Industries, we recognize the transitional role LNG plays in securing energy supply and supporting the journey to a low-carbon society. Through integrated automation, electrification and digitalization solutions, we optimize LNG production, making it more efficient and reliable. As we look to the future, the industry must focus on key innovations that enhance efficiency and reduce emissions while ensuring that LNG remains a viable and competitive transition fuel.
The shift toward electrification in LNG
One of the most transformative shifts in LNG production is the electrification of the process, as Tungseth explains; “Traditionally, LNG facilities rely on gas turbines to power the liquefaction process. By replacing gas turbines, which have an efficiency of 35%, with electric motors, which are 95% efficient, we can significantly improve the total energy efficiency of the LNG facility.”
ABB has been leading this transformation, pioneering all-electric LNG (eLNG) solutions since 2006. Our technology integrates electrical systems, motors and drives with advanced automation to mitigate grid fluctuations, ensuring that eLNG trains (also known as a liquefaction unit) are as reliable as traditional gas-powered systems while also supporting efforts to reduce emissions.
New innovations powering LNG
The adoption of digital solutions is accelerating across LNG. Digital twins enable operators to simulate plant performance before construction, optimizing design and improving efficiency. Once in operation, these digital models facilitate predictive maintenance and real-time decision-making, reducing downtime and improving reliability.
Another major innovation reshaping LNG projects is modularization. Traditionally used for offshore applications, modular construction is now being applied to onshore LNG facilities. This approach involves integrating electrical and automation systems into prefabricated modules, which are then transported to the site for quick assembly. By shifting much of the work off-site, modularization significantly reduces construction time, minimizes risks and enhances project efficiency.
Achieving these benefits, however, requires a high level of engineering and collaboration. Designers, engineers, suppliers and construction teams must work closely together to ensure all components are integrated before arrival. When executed effectively, this reduces the time workers spend on-site, lowers the risk of system malfunctions and streamlines the entire integration process.
“Think of it like building with a Lego set – entire sections of the facility are pre-built and simply clicked together upon arrival. This method not only accelerates deployment but also enhances reliability by ensuring systems are fully tested before they reach the site,” says Tungseth.
A more energy efficient future for LNG
While renewable energy sources scale, natural gas will continue to play an important role in maintaining grid stability and delivering reliable power to meet growing demand.
ABB is deploying eLNG solutions in key projects worldwide. Our first eLNG project took shape in Norway, where ABB was a key partner in Equinor’s Hammerfest project, completed in 2006. As the first offshore development in the Barents Sea, it marked a milestone – Europe’s first LNG export facility and the world’s first all-electric LNG plant.
The gas is sourced from subsea wells with no surface installations, transported via a 160-kilometer pipeline to the shore. ABB contributed end-to-end expertise, overseeing design, fabrication, integration and commissioning of the plant’s core systems, including subsea technology. The result was a fully integrated automation system controlled from a central hub, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
Engineering LNG to Outrun
“At ABB, we believe that the greenest energy is the energy you don’t have to use or produce. However, when energy is required, it should be generated and consumed in the most efficient way possible. By electrifying LNG production, integrating digital solutions and leveraging modularization, we are ensuring that LNG projects are engineered to outrun” adds Tungseth.
As the world navigates the complexities of the energy transition, LNG remains an important component in delivering accessible, affordable and more sustainable energy. By embracing innovation and advancing electrification, ABB can continue to unlock new possibilities for LNG.
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