How natural gas is liquefied, shipped, and regasified: a pillar of energy diversification.
LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is methane gas cooled to -162°C until it becomes liquid, reducing its volume by approximately 600 times. This makes it possible to transport it by ship to any destination equipped with a regasification terminal.
LNG key facts
The value chain
Regasification terminals in Italy
| Terminal | Location | Type | Capacity (Bn cm/y) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GNL Italia | Panigaglia (SP) | Onshore | 3.5 |
| Adriatic LNG | Rovigo (offshore) | GBS offshore | 8.0 |
| OLT Offshore | Livorno (offshore) | FSRU | 3.75 |
| FSRU Golar Tundra | Piombino | FSRU | 5.0 |
| FSRU BW Singapore | Ravenna | FSRU | 5.0 |
Why it is strategic
After the reduction of Russian gas flows, LNG has become fundamental for diversifying European supply sources. Unlike pipeline gas, LNG allows purchasing from any global producer, increasing security and price competitiveness.
Market impact
LNG has made the gas market truly global. European prices (TTF) are now influenced by Asian demand and American shale gas production. For businesses, this globalization brings greater volatility but also more supply options and, in the medium term, more competitive prices through increased competition among sources.
Informational content by IPGS Energy. Information is reviewed as of the stated update date and does not replace a contractual, tax or regulatory assessment specific to an individual business.