Researchers from NTU 

• Assoc. Prof. Alessandro Romagnoli, PI

• Assoc. Prof. Zhao Zhiye, Co-PI (School of Civil and Environment Engineering)

• Asst. Prof. Wu-Wei, Co-PI (School of Civil and Environment Engineering)

• Asst. Prof. Qian Shunzi, Co-PI (School of Civil and Environment Engineering)

• Asst. Prof. Yi Yaolin, Co-PI (School of Civil and Environment Engineering)

• Dr. Antoni Gil Pujol, Senior Scientist/Technical Manager

• Dr. Swapnil Dubey, Programme Manager

• Dr. Sze Jia Yin

• Mr. Yang Lizhong, Research Associate

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Surbana Jurong

• Mr. Tan Wooi Leong, PI (Senior Director Oil & Gas)

• Mr. Govindaraj Naralasetti, Co-PI (Deputy Director Oil & Gas)

• Mr. Derek Wong Sun Soon, Co-PI (Deputy Director Oil & Gas)

• Mr. Anthony Chang Boon Poh, Co-PI (Deputy Director Oil & Gas)

 

Collaborators ​

• Prof. Yulong Ding

• Prof. Yongliang Li

 

Description of the project

The research team attempts to explore cryogenic storage systems for large-to-small scale LNG storage located within underground environment critically for: Large quantities of LNG stored in underground caverns / basements for industrial applications; and Smaller quantities of LNG stored with basements located at urbanized areas. Large scale LNG storage either in underground caverns or in basement levels will allow for alternative landuse consideration while planning for energy storage. Smaller scale or mid-scale LNG storage (either tank based within confined basement space or hybrid containment) opens up a new dimension of storage solution allowing LNG to be stored and applied in urban areas, whilst being flexible towards smaller parcel demands and facilitate the potential decentralization of power generation through efficient co-generation power supply. Locating LNG storage in urban areas not only reduces the requirement for land sterilization for gas and power transmission infrastructures, but allows a more effective yet efficient distribution and utilization of the recovered cold energy. This potentially allows monetization of a new energy source through harnessing the cold energy which has been wasted during regasification process. The capture, storage and distribution of cold energy will potentially allow for its use in various applications i.e. cold storage warehouses, buildings, industrial plants, data centers and etc. In addition, locating LNG underground will also be freed up aboveground spaces for high value usages and presents a safer solution both for large scale storage in underground caverns/ basements and smaller scale storage in basements.

 

Significance to the Industry

• The findings and solutions from this research can be adopted in all countries importing and/or utilizing LNG, whether for strategic purposes to supplement existing pipeline imports, for utilization of power generation, industrial and commercial applications, or supply of LNG for bunker fuel. The immense potential derived from the decentralization of power supply and generating power within an urbanized environment to meet its own needs, and coupled with the monetization of the cold energy to enhance and optimize the energy usage behavior further enhance the benefits and commercialization of this research. In addition, the cold energy utilization is expected to assist countries to reduce the carbon emission intensity and help businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.

• The research findings will revolutionize the conventional cryogenic storage philosophy, optimize land use and improve waste cold energy utilization, and change energy usage behaviors of both industries and urbanites. The research aims to support policymakers to rethink energy policies by exploring the various alternative cryogenic storage solutions and to enhance energy usage efficiency and optionality of LNG usage for the industries.