What is a virtual pipeline?
A virtual pipeline is a substitute for a physical pipeline where gas that would typically be conveyed through a conventional gas pipeline is instead transported as LNG to the point of use by sea, road or rail. Where no gas pipeline or grid connection exists, the LNG or CNG virtual pipeline enables natural gas to be used as primary fuel for power generation using our modular generators. In addition, an LNG or CNG virtual pipeline can provide backup fuel where natural gas pipeline capacity is limited.
For users who are connected to a gas pipeline but are looking to supplement insufficient or unreliable pipeline capacity, the virtual power plant solution has several advantages over diesel as the system is simply using stored natural gas to augment pipeline natural gas and can use the same delivery system. We are experts at designing, installing and operating off-grid virtual power plants, providing reliable energy so you can make progress. We have the expertise and equipment necessary to meet your critical demand.
There is little doubt that Virtual Pipelines will be a key enabler in the Energy Transition and will position gas as the transition fuel.
Virtual Pipelines are bringing gas to areas that otherwise have no access to it, displacing other more carbon-intensive and expensive liquid fuels in the process.
At Aggreko, we are already LNG, CNG and LPG ready. While CNG and LPG has been available for some time, we are actively involved in the rapidly-developing small-scale LNG supply value chain, and we are working to enable it wherever possible.
We are operating in North America with excellent LNG fuel suppliers and have multiple projects running on LNG through Virtual Pipelines.
Outside of North America the supply chain is not as mature or still non-existent. In those areas we are actively working to:
- Stimulate and develop the necessary supply chains in different regional markets
- Identify the key players and suppliers
- Position ourselves to be able to help our customers get the volumes they will need, as soon as it’s available
While many of our projects are in North America where the supply chain is mature, we also have virtual pipeline projects in South America, Nigeria, Spain and Australia and work in most areas LNG, LPG or CNG is available.
We are ready to work with you on a country by country basis on your individual needs to enable Virtual Pipeline projects where possible.
Here’s how our virtual power plant solution can help:
- Transport LNG or CNG via road, rail or sea
- Stored on site for immediate use
- Mobile, modular power solutions can be scaled to fit your demand
- LNG or CNG can cut fuel costs when switching from diesel
- LNG or CNG reduces environmental impact
Speak to one of our specialists today to see if virtual power plants is the answer for you!
What is the difference between LNG and CNG?
CNG is methane that, through a multi-stage process, has been compressed to less than one percent of the volume it occupies at standard atmospheric pressure. LNG, while still composed of methane, undergoes a much more complex cryogenic process, bringing it to a liquid state.
The varying states of these two natural gas products make each more appropriate for certain applications. CNG is easier to produce and can be created at individual fuelling stations to be easily dispensed without the need for special storage equipment. While LNG is an excellent way to transport large volumes of natural gas over great distances where pipelines don’t exist, it must be housed in special cryogenic storage facilities and tanks, resulting in higher production costs.