Forecast of U.S. LNG imports

Education is critical to expanding the role LNG plays in this nation's energy portfolio. Because the volume currently imported is so low, many Americans know very little about the benefits of LNG. The basic properties of LNG make it ideal for safe and efficient transportation and storage of large volumes of natural gas. LNG is not formed by compressing natural gas nor is it maintained as a liquid through the use of high pressure. At atmospheric pressure, natural gas will condense to a liquid when it is cooled to –256 ^o F (-161 ^o C). Cooling the gas to this temperature and then keeping the resulting liquid cold allows the LNG to be transported and stored under normal pressure as a cryogenic (i.e., very low temperature) liquid.

Expanding the public's awareness of LNG and its many advantages will help industry expand the nation's infrastructure for importing, storing and transporting LNG. The unique properties of LNG make it a vital link in the energy chain. The Liquefied Natural Gas Program and its partners are investigating new opportunities for LNG as the means to transport and store natural gas for remote areas of the country not currently serviced by the natural gas distribution network. DOE is also looking at ways that LNG can enable the development of natural gas that is currently stranded from viable markets. The Liquefied Natural Gas Program is working with other agencies and industry to ensure that the necessary information and technology is available so that federal and state lawmakers as well as the general public are able to make informed decisions regarding LNG and its future role in our country.