Gas Gong, Creating New Business Using Previously Discarded LNG Cold Energy

Participation in Cold Chain Cluster Project with Korea Cryogenics and Gas Technology Corporation

[Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] Korea Gas Corporation is creating new business opportunities by utilizing liquefied natural gas (LNG) cold energy, which had been wasted until now. LNG cold energy refers to unused energy generated when imported LNG, used for natural gas, is vaporized from minus 162 degrees Celsius to 0 degrees Celsius. Approximately 200 kcal of cold energy is generated per 1 kg of LNG during vaporization, and the core of the LNG cold energy business is to effectively utilize this energy.

According to Gas Corporation on the 10th, the company has officially entered the domestic LNG cold energy business through the Korea Cryogenics LNG Cold Energy Utilization Refrigerated and Frozen Logistics Center project in Oseong Logistics Complex, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. Korea Cryogenics operates refrigerated and frozen warehouses by receiving liquefied natural gas from the Gas Corporation’s Pyeongtaek LNG terminal, maintaining food freshness through rapid freezing and low-temperature storage by utilizing ultra-low temperature LNG cold energy. Gas Corporation is currently participating in the Incheon New Port Cold Chain Cluster project as part of a consortium with Korea Cryogenics and Gas Technology Corporation. Once the cold chain cluster is completed, it is expected to greatly contribute to revitalizing the regional economy, with an estimated economic ripple effect of about 1.26 trillion won.

Until now, cold energy was energy wasted into the sea or air. However, as the energy transition from conventional fossil fuels to eco-friendly energy such as natural gas has become an issue recently, the LNG cold energy business is also gaining attention.

LNG cold energy is especially effective in the frozen logistics business. When replacing conventional electric refrigeration equipment that achieves minus 100 degrees Celsius low temperature with LNG cold energy refrigeration equipment, the time to reach the target temperature is shorter and the required energy is relatively less, reducing electricity consumption by 50-70% compared to before, and rapid freezing effects are also significant.

It can also be utilized in data center businesses. Although the global data center business is growing rapidly, a lot of heat is generated during operation, requiring significant electricity to run cooling systems. However, using LNG cold energy can reduce operating costs. In Japan, LNG cold energy is already included as renewable energy and is widely used nationwide.

LNG cold energy is also used for the stable storage of COVID-19 vaccines. Among COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer recommends storage at minus 60 to 80 degrees Celsius or below, Moderna at minus 20 degrees Celsius, and AstraZeneca and Janssen at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. Gas Corporation has enabled efficient and stable large-scale storage of vaccines with varying management temperatures by utilizing the ‘LNG Cold Energy Ultra-Low Temperature Cold Chain,’ which is more efficient than electricity.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.