Solar, LNG, Shipping, and Subsidies in 3 Graphics
It might seem odd to use ships to compare energy sources, but it’s not.
Need-to-Know: One ship filled with solar panels can produce more electricity than the coal on 100 ships — International Energy Agency
Let’s look at LNG for a minute. Turning gas into LNG (liquefied natural gas) involves a complex and costly process called an LNG “train.”
Here’s what happens:
First, gas undergoes a pre-treatment process to remove impurities like mercury and hydrogen sulfide, among other nasties.
Next, this gas is liquefied by cooling it to extremely low temperatures of around -162 degrees C (-260 degrees F). That reduces the volume of the gas by approximately 600 times. The liquefaction process is energy-intensive. Typically, about 10% of the gas is used for internal fuel consumption in the liquefaction plant.
After that, the liquefied gas is pumped into specially-made LNG carriers that have to keep the gas super-cooled at -162 degrees C. And then, it’s shipped to special LNG receiving and regasification terminals, and storage.
It’s all very costly and very energy-intensive. Especially compared to solar panels.
Gas is also a serious air pollutant that affects the health of millions, according to numerous studies. See NtK issues: Get Rid of Your Gas and Live Longer and Save Money, Energy and the Climate by Ghosting Gas.
Need-to-Know: 4 out of 10 ocean-going ships are moving fossil fuels
Yes, about 40% of all marine shipping worldwide involves moving fossil fuels day after day, all year round. About 65% of global oil production is shipped by sea. However, the enormous costs and environmental impacts of this are rarely discussed.
Need-to-Know: Taxpayers like you and I give away hundreds of billions of dollars
$610 billion worth of government subsidies went to oil, gas, and coal companies in 2023. That’s down from more than $1.2 trillion in 2022. One of the reasons they make $billions in profits every year.
Governments STILL support fossil-fuel consumption nearly 10X more than clean energy, according to a new report by the IEA. These subsidies artificially lower the cost of gasoline and fossil gas for the public, which encourages people to use more and avoid buying more efficient appliances and electric vehicles.
While the poor need help with energy costs, in many countries, everyone, rich or poor, pays the same price.
Feel free to share this post or the graphics to help others see the big picture.
Until next time, be well.
Stephen
Great info and graphics, thanks for sharing!