Decarbonized LNG: Creating a path to sustainable Arctic development

Abstract

Abstract One of the most urgent issues of the global energy complex is its decarbonization. But it is impossible to make such a transition overnight; therefore, a transitional fuel is needed, such as gas. Natural gas has the lowest carbon emissions rate of all hydrocarbons fuels, it is vastly deposited and due to development of LNG technologies can be transported almost everywhere. The Russian Arctic zone is excellent for LNG production, as there are huge gas reserves concentrated there, the climate allows an optimal LNG production and there is a convenient logistics route. LNG production in this region must be as harmless as possible and with the lowest CO2 emissions to preserve a sensitive environment. Decarbonized LNG is a liquefied gas with lowered amount of CO2 emissions from production to consumption, or they were compensated by offset loans. This concept is quite new, but it allows gas to build a bridge to low-carbon future. This article explores all the ways of building carbon-neutral LNG value chain in Arctic and suggests the optimal way of providing sustainable development in region’s energy complex.