The big promise of small-scale LNG as fuel for India, with first SSLNG plant commissioned

Syllabus: GS-I, Subject: Geography, Topic: Resources – World and India, Issue: Petroleum and Natural Gas

Context: India’s first small-scale liquefied natural gas (SSLNG) unit at GAIL (India) Ltd’s Vijaipur complex in Madhya Pradesh.

SSLNG (Small-Scale Liquefied Natural Gas)

• Liquefies and transports natural gas on a smaller scale using unconventional methods.
• Serves users in pipeline-unconnected regions via specialized trucks and vessels.
• Avoids the necessity for extensive liquefaction, regasification, and transportation infrastructure.
• The SSLNG chain can originate from large LNG import terminals or areas with ample gas supply, establishing small liquefaction plants.

Significance of SSLNG

• The government aims to increase the share of natural gas in the primary energy mix to 15% by 2030.
• SSLNG offers a fast and scalable solution to expand the reach and consumption of natural gas.