Monetization of the abundant supply of natural gas from unconventional shale plays has been primarily focused on large-scale LNG export projects across North America. The aim of these projects is not to supply LNG for domestic markets, but to supply large markets abroad in Europe and Asia. Domestically, the largest use for LNG is for power generation through peak shaving. LNG for peak shaving is usually produced by small-scale liquefaction facilities and peak shaving capacity is focused in the Midwest and the Northeast. Although peak shaving capacity is intended to supply extra feed gas to power plants in times of higher demand, some companies are monetizing peak shaving capacity using new business models.
Peak shaving is one the most common domestic uses for LNG today: Peak shaving is when LNG is stored at a power plant so that in times of peak demand the utility can tap into the LNG in order to increase power output to meet demand spikes. This most often occurs during the winter and summer months when abnormally cold or hot temperatures cause spikes in electricity demand.
There are two types of peak shaving facilities. While both types have on-site LNG storage tanks, one has on-site liquefaction facilities and the other lacks on-site liquefaction capabilities. Peak shavers with liquefaction facilities are able to take natural gas directly from pipelines, liquefy it, and store it for later use. Peak shavers without liquefaction facilities must rely on LNG tanker trucks to refuel their LNG storage tanks.
There are over 50 operating peak shaving facilities in the United States today. One half of peak shaving facilities are located in the Northeast while a quarter are located in the Midwest. Of the over 1.3 billion gallons per year of peak shaving capacity in the United States, almost 1 billion is located in these two regions.
Companies are using new business models to take advantage of peak shaving capacity: Low prices and the environmental benefits of natural gas are driving demand in Caribbean and Central American counties where heavy fuel oil and diesel fuel have historically been responsible for a large share of electricity generation. Demand for natural gas in Caribbean and Central American nations is growing rapidly, but the gross amount of natural gas demand is still meager with ~5 mtpa of demand today. However, this number could double by 2020.
Markets of this size are too small to be serviced by large-scale export projects in North America. One company, Carib Energy, has developed a new business model to help supply Central America and the Caribbean with LNG.
Expanded LNG infrastructure could serve emerging and niche markets: While there is a large amount of peak shaving capacity in the United States today, less than 10% of it is available for any other use due to present day electricity demand. Expanding natural gas liquefaction capabilities could both expand peak shaving capacity in regions that need it the most, such as the Northeast. Added small-scale capacity could also be used to supply small markets in Central America and the Caribbean with LNG and could also serve emerging and niche markets such as, LNG use heavy-duty trucking, marine, rail, and for industrial uses.
As a result of new natural gas supply from unconventional plays, greater demand for LNG domestically for peak shaving and other uses, and LNG for power generation in Central America and the Caribbean it is likely that more small-scale LNG projects will be planned and completed leading to overall greater LNG capacity in the United States.
