LNG Underground

Presently, LNG storage is conventionally limited to large scale above ground cryogenic storage tanks and more recently, in more cost efficient FSRUs predominantly located near remote ports, industrial parks and power generation plants. The large-scale aboveground cryogenic storage tanks are constructed remotely to comply with safety and regulatory considerations in addition to the functional supply requirements of industrial facilities. Large scale underground storage of LNG in underground caverns was researched and prototyped without commercialization due to the high construction and maintenance cost often arising from geological and groundwater freezing challenges. Smaller scale LNG needs is often not met due to cost inefficiency to construct such storage. Piping LNG over long distances is also inefficient, hence limiting the advantage of liquefied transfer within urban areas. With the wider prospect of LNG in transportation, industrial and urban application globally and more specifically for the context of Singapore, the requirement of storing LNG safely and efficiently in more challenging environment presents immense opportunities for exploration. Consequently, with the added potential to recover and monetize cold energy which is conventionally wasted during regasification due to non-synergistic considerations between storage, regasification and distribution process; further motivates the exploration needs.

The research team attempts to explore cryogenic storage systems for large-to-small scale LNG storage located within underground environment critically for two varied application: Large quantities of LNG stored in underground caverns / basements for industrial applications; and smaller quantities of LNG stored with basements located at urbanized areas.