Compressed and Liquefied Natural Gas (CNG / LNG)
Flexible gas supply options for reliable on-site power and heat.
Natural Gas Supply Options: CNG and LNG
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is natural gas that has been compressed to high pressure for storage and transport. It is typically supplied in high-pressure cylinders or modular storage systems and is well suited to applications where gas demand is moderate and regular delivery is feasible. CNG enables natural gas to be supplied to sites without a permanent pipeline connection, supporting decentralised, temporary or phased power generation projects.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled to cryogenic temperatures, significantly reducing its volume. This allows larger quantities of gas to be transported efficiently over longer distances. LNG is commonly used where higher energy demand, limited delivery frequency or longer supply distances make compressed gas impractical.
CNG and LNG for Power Generation
When used as fuels for gas engines, both CNG and LNG provide a flexible and reliable energy supply for power generation and combined heat and power (CHP). After pressure regulation and, in the case of LNG, vaporisation, the gas supplied to the engine is equivalent in quality to pipeline natural gas.
This makes both CNG and LNG suitable for industrial, commercial and infrastructure applications where dependable gas access is required but a permanent gas network is unavailable or constrained.
Benefits of CNG / LNG Power Generation
CNG and LNG enable access to natural gas in locations without a fixed pipeline connection, supporting decentralised and flexible energy solutions.
Using CNG or LNG for on-site power generation can improve energy security by reducing reliance on diesel fuel or grid electricity, particularly in remote or infrastructure-constrained locations.
Gas engines operating on CNG or LNG deliver high electrical efficiency and lower local emissions compared with conventional liquid fuel alternatives. When configured for CHP, recovered heat can be used to further improve overall system efficiency.
CNG and LNG infrastructure can be deployed as a transitional solution, supporting temporary sites, phased developments or locations awaiting permanent gas network connection.
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Fuel Characteristics and Supply
Gas Engine Power Generation and CHP Integration
Applications and Deployment Scenarios
Fuel Characteristics and Supply
Both CNG and LNG are derived from natural gas and consist predominantly of methane, providing consistent and predictable fuel quality for gas engine operation.
CNG is stored and supplied at high pressure, while LNG is stored at very low temperatures and vaporised prior to use. Fuel selection depends on site energy demand, logistics, storage space, delivery frequency and operational requirements.
Gas Engine Power Generation and CHP Integration
Gas engines operating on CNG or LNG use the same core combustion technology as pipeline natural gas engines, delivering stable and efficient performance.
Systems can be designed for continuous or flexible operation and scaled from several hundred kilowatts to multi-megawatt installations. Fuel storage, pressure regulation and, where applicable, vaporisation systems are integrated to ensure safe and reliable operation.
When configured for combined heat and power (CHP), CNG and LNG-fuelled gas engines generate electricity while recovering useful thermal energy in the form of hot water or steam. This heat can be used for space heating, hot water or process requirements, improving overall system efficiency.
Applications and Deployment Scenarios
CNG and LNG power generation systems are commonly used in:
• Remote industrial and commercial sites
• Temporary or mobile power applications
• Locations awaiting pipeline gas connection
• Infrastructure projects and data centres
Fuel can be delivered by road and stored on site, providing flexibility in both short-term and longer-term deployment scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions about CNG / LNG Power Generation
Technical and Engineering
Can gas engines operate on both CNG and LNG?
Yes, gas engines can operate on both fuels, provided appropriate fuel storage, handling and supply systems are installed.
Is LNG vaporised before being used in gas engines?
Yes, LNG is vaporised and supplied to the engine as gas at controlled pressure and temperature.
Financial and Commercial
Are CNG and LNG suitable for temporary projects?
Yes, both fuels are well suited to temporary or transitional power generation where pipeline gas is not available.
How does CNG or LNG compare with diesel generation?
Gas engines operating on CNG or LNG typically offer higher efficiency and lower emissions than diesel alternatives.
Environmental and Sustainability
Are CNG and LNG lower-emission fuels than diesel?
Yes, natural gas generally produces lower local emissions and reduced CO₂ intensity compared with diesel generation.
Can CNG and LNG support transition strategies?
Yes, they are often used as transitional fuels while longer-term energy solutions are developed.
Operational and Implementation
Can CNG and LNG systems operate continuously?
Yes, systems can be designed for continuous base-load operation with appropriate fuel logistics.
Is fuel delivery flexible?
Yes, both CNG and LNG can be delivered by road, enabling deployment in a wide range of locations.
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