Regasification plant

In its natural form, natural gas is found under the ground or under the seabed. It is a mixture of light, colourless and odourless hydrocarbon gases.

1. Natural deposit where the gas is extracted. Can be offshore or on land. Rigs drill down approximately 3000 to 3500 metres. On land, deposits can be drilled up to 5000 metres down.
2. Liquefaction plant in the country of origin, where the gas is transformed into liquid at a cryogenic temperature close to absolute zero.
3. Advanced-technology methane tankers transport the liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the points of consumption at a constant cryogenic temperature.
4. Once the tanker reaches its destination, the liquefied gas is returned to its original gaseous state, in a process known as regasification.

The gas is extracted in the countries of origin and the cooled to -160º C in liquefaction plants so that it can be transported in liquid form. Liquefied gas occupies 60 times less space than in its natural state, making it easy to transport by ship.

The fully conditioned natural gas is distributed through pipelines to the final consumers for home use (such as home heating and hot water), and also for industrial use.

It also plays an important role in generating electricity in natural-gas powered combined-cycle plants.