About LNG
When cooled to -160°C, natural gas changes from a gas to a liquid. In liquid form, it takes up 600 times less space than in its gaseous state. In the same space, it is therefore possible to store 600 times more energy with LNG than with natural gas in a gaseous state—a definite advantage in terms of transportation and storage.
Supply dynamics vcb
Liquefied natural gas comes from Énergir's liquefaction, storage and regasification (LSR) plant in Montreal East, in operation for 45 years. With three loading docks, the plant can produce more than 10 billion cubic feet of LNG per year and store up to 2 Bcf in its two cryogenic tanks, after the natural gas liquefaction. The loading docks fill tanker trucks, which supply refueling stations or service customers directly. LNG can then be distributed to customers within a radius of over 1,5000 km from the LSR plant.
LNG, an efficient solution for reducing greenhouse gas
LNG, an efficient solution for reducing greenhouse gas LNG can also improve a company's environmental footprint because it generates considerably less GHG and air pollutants than oil products. Transportation and industry are the largest emitters of GHG in Quebec. Converting to natural gas in these sectors would reduce GHG emissions by up to 25% compared to diesel, and by up to 32% compared to oil, and allow for substantial potential savings based on each customer's profile.
Sectors using LNG
The energy needs of a number of sectors can now be met with LNG: heavy transportation, maritime transport and industrial and mining facilities located in remote areas not served by the gas network.
The only alternative to diesel for heavy transportation
The road transportation sector is the biggest GHG emitter in Québec, accounting for 43% of total emissions. Heavy vehicles using diesel emit 28% of this total. Natural gas has proven effective for road transportation through its cleaner combustion compared to diesel motors. A truck that runs on natural gas instead of diesel makes it possible to reduce GHG emissions by up to 25% as well as almost completely eliminate the emission of air pollutants. Not only is natural gas a safe choice, it cuts engine noise emissions by 10 decibels—which gets unanimous support. Worldwide, more than 20 million vehicles already run on natural gas.
A growing network of stations
The first public network of compressed and liquefied natural gas refuelling stations for Canada’s transportation industry was introduced in 2011. Some of the stations are located along the corridor of highways A-20/H-401, between Québec City and Toronto. As deployment of the network continues, compressed and liquefied natural gas fuelling points will be added in a strategic, flexible manner at various Québec and Ontario locations, in accordance with the market.
The only fuel that meets environmental standards
Using liquefied natural gas as a fuel for ships allows to reach and surpass current environmental standards on atmospheric emissions. The use of LNG makes it possible to reduce GHG emissions by up to 25%, compared with marine diesel, in addition to almost completely eliminating fine particle emissions and other air pollutants. And since LNG is insoluble, it doesn’t pose a risk to the environment because if it is spilled it evaporates without contaminating the soil, water or wildlife. LNG motors are also quieter and produce less vibration, which is more respectful of marine life.
Remote areas are now less dependent on oil products
In Québec, industry is responsible for almost one third of greenhouse gas emissions. One of Énergir’s solutions for fighting climate change is to encourage the use of natural gas by Québec industries. Those located in remote areas like Northern Québec and the Côte-Nord, which aren’t served by the gas network, can now look forward to a supply of LNG. When a plant uses natural gas instead of oil, it cuts its GHG emissions by up to 32%. And of note is that for many types of industrial processes, electricity cannot replace a thermal energy like oil or natural gas. This is why the possibility of using natural gas is a key factor in sustainable economic development.
LNG : vector of sustainable development for Québec's mining sector
Energy costs account for about 30% of mining companies’ operating expenses, and using natural gas allows them to be competitive and continue operating in Québec. Replacing oil products with natural gas allows them to not only generate economic gains but also to considerably reduce their GHG emissions and minimize their environmental footprint. Natural gas has a number of applications: production of electricity, heating and mineral processing and transportation. Stornoway Diamonds Corporation was the first mining company in Québec to use LNG.
LSR plant capacity expansion
Énergir's liquefaction, storage and regasification (LSR) plant in Montreal East has been in operation for 45 years. Through Investissement Québec, the government of Québec and Énergir have partnered to increase accessibility to liquefied natural gas in order to meet the growing demand for LNG in the road and maritime transportation markets, and serve regions remote from the natural gas network.
Blog articles on natural gas in transportation
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Other forms of natural gas
There are several forms of natural gas, allowing citizens to consume better and less. Renewable to give our waste a second life, compressed or liquefied to replace diesel as a fuel, natural gas is an energy that meets a variety of needs.
Énergir is committed to a more energy-efficient future
To help fight against climate change, our team is implementing concrete solutions because it is committed to offering out customers and communities a more energy-efficient future.
Energir, more than natural gas!
We believe diversity is key to the future of energy. This is why Énergir is involved in developing solar and wind power and hydroelectricity.
* Quebec inventory of greenhouse gas emissions in 2017 and their evolution since 1990 | Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change .