Must-Read for Gas Power Generation: Key Differences Between LNG and RLNG
In the field of gas power generation, LNG and RLNG are two frequently mentioned concepts that are often easily confused. Some people assume that LNG, as a fuel, can be used directly in generator sets after delivery; others feel puzzled when they see the term “RLNG” and are unclear about how it differs from LNG.
In fact, most gas generator sets cannot use LNG directly. Before entering the generator, liquefied natural gas must undergo a regasification process, converting it into gaseous natural gas—what we commonly refer to as RLNG.
Although the transformation from LNG to RLNG may seem like a simple change in physical state, it has a direct impact on combustion stability, operational safety of the generator set, and overall power generation costs. Therefore, understanding the differences between the two is a fundamental issue that cannot be overlooked in the design and operation of gas power generation projects.
Next, we will walk you through the key differences between LNG and RLNG.
1. LNG
LNG, short for Liquefied Natural Gas, is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately –162°C, turning it into a liquid fuel. After liquefaction, its volume is reduced by about 600 times, making it convenient for long-distance transportation and storage.
In the power generation industry, LNG is commonly used as a fuel source for large gas turbines or gas engine generator sets, thanks to its high calorific value and clean combustion characteristics. However, LNG itself is a cryogenic liquid. Direct use requires specialized low-temperature storage and handling systems, so in most cases it must be regasified before being supplied to the generator for combustion.
LNG cannot be fed directly into generator sets for combustion mainly because:
l The extremely low temperature can damage pipelines and equipment;
l Its pressure and combustion characteristics do not match the requirements of the generator;
l Liquefied natural gas cannot burn stably in the combustion chamber.
Therefore, standard gas generator sets generally require RLNG as the usable fuel.
2. RLNG
RLNG, short for Regasified LNG, refers to natural gas that has been converted back into a gaseous state after LNG is heated through regasification equipment.
Key characteristics:
It can be fed directly into gas generator sets for combustion, without the need for cryogenic storage;
It is suitable for secondary use after long-distance transportation of LNG;
For power plants, purchasing RLNG is essentially the same as buying “ready-to-use” natural gas, making operation and fuel management more convenient and straightforward.
Gaseous fuel is safer and combustion is easier to control
4. Market Applications
In real-world power generation projects, power producers are far more likely to work with RLNG rather than liquefied LNG. Although LNG is well suited for long-distance and large-scale transportation, its cryogenic liquid nature means that it cannot be directly fed into gas pipelines or generator sets.
Throughout the entire process—from LNG reception and storage to final utilization—the regasification stage is indispensable. Through regasification facilities, LNG is converted into gaseous natural gas that meets the required pressure, temperature, and combustion specifications, and is then injected into the pipeline network or supplied directly to gas generator sets.
Based on these practical application requirements in gas power generation projects, Jiangsu KelinYuan Clean Energy Technology Co., Ltd. provides generator set solutions specifically adapted to regasified LNG fuel conditions, enabling highly efficient utilization of natural gas. Under stable operating conditions and with suitable gas composition, each cubic meter of natural gas can generate more than 4 kWh of electricity. While ensuring safety and reliability, these solutions also balance power generation efficiency and economic performance, offering a technically practical and commercially valuable option for natural gas power generation projects.
