What is natural gas?

The gas cooled to form LNG (liquefied natural gas) is the same as the natural gas used in our homes. In the UK, natural gas is transported to homes and industry through the National Transmission System.

• Natural gas is only flammable when mixed with air in concentrations between 5 and 15%.
• Natural gas is composed primarily of methane (typically, at least 90%).
• Natural gas is a very clean form of energy.

LNG (liquefied natural gas) is natural gas that has been cooled down to approximately -160ºC to become a liquid, reducing its volume by 600 to 1. By reducing the volume, it becomes viable to transport LNG (liquefied natural gas) over long distances via carrier ships.

Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) is often confused with LNG (liquefied natural gas) and vice versa. LPG is composed primarily of propane (upwards to 95%) and smaller quantities of butane, and is used primarily for residential and commercial applications. LPG is maintained as a liquid by means of elevated pressure. It is not possible to liquefy natural gas solely by pressurizing. It is heavier than air in it’s vapor state and has a wider flammability range.