New study: Actual GHG intensity of LNG shipping lower than earlier estimates

Written by Nick Blenkey
LNG export project permitting could slow growth of U.S. LNG exports

LNG carrier loading at Cheniere U.S. LNG export terminal

A peer-reviewed study published in the American Chemical Society’s Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering Journal indicates that the GHG intensity of LNG shipping may be substantially less than suggested by some earlier studies.

The first-of-its-kind life cycle assessment (LCA) study analysis utilizes GHG emissions data specific to Cheniere Energy Inc.’s LNG supply chain from natural gas production through LNG shipping.

The use of supply chain specific data provides an improved methodology for GHG emissions accounting and estimates a lower GHG intensity for Cheniere’s LNG relative to other studies utilizing generic national or regional data to assess U.S. LNG emissions.

Cheniere Energy says the LCA is intended to be the foundational analytical tool to estimate GHG emissions to be included in Cheniere’s Cargo Emissions Tags (CE Tags) and is expected to be enhanced over time through further collaboration with natural gas suppliers, midstream infrastructure owners and shipowners.

“The publication of this peer-reviewed study is the result of a journey that began in 2018 with our Climate & Sustainability Principles, and further demonstrates our commitment to climate and supports our efforts to quantify and improve environmental performance,” said Jack Fusco, Cheniere’s president and CEO. “We believe this study highlights the importance of customized, supplier-specific LNG emissions analysis and will enhance the accuracy and transparency of our GHG emissions profile to better inform all of our stakeholders.”

The study is co-authored by individuals from the University of Texas at Austin, Queen Mary University of London, Duke University, KeyLogic Systems and Cheniere.

The study and supporting materials are available here.

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