energies Review
LNG Regasification Terminals: The Role of Geography and Meteorology on Technology Choices Randeep Agarwal 1 , Thomas J. Rainey 1,2 ID , S. M. Ashrafur Rahman 1,2, * Robert K. Perrons 1 ID and Richard J. Brown 1,2 1
2
*
ID
, Ted Steinberg 1 ,
Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia;
[email protected] (R.A.);
[email protected] (T.J.R.);
[email protected] (T.S.);
[email protected] (R.K.P.);
[email protected] (R.J.B.) Biofuel Engine Research Facility, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +61-410193428
Received: 31 October 2017; Accepted: 13 December 2017; Published: 16 December 2017
Abstract: Liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects are regulated by host countries, but policy and regulation should depend on geography and meteorology. Without considering the role of geography and meteorology, sub-optimal design choices can result, leading to energy conversion efficiency and capital investment decisions that are less than ideal. A key step in LNG is regasification, which transforms LNG back from liquid to the gaseous state and requires substantial heat input. This study investigated different LNG regasification technologies used around the world and benchmarked location and meteorology-related factors, such as seawater temperatures, ambient air temperatures, wind speeds and relative humidity. Seawater vaporizers are used for more than 95% of locations subject to water quality. Ambient air conditions are relatively better for South America, India, Spain and other Asian countries (Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Thailand) and provide a much cleaner regasification technology option for natural and forced draft systems and air-based intermediate fluid vaporizers. On a global basis, cold energy utilization currently represents
