Not all regions have equal access to energy, especially remote areas that are difficult to reach with natural gas pipelines.
This challenge is real, but now there is a solution: Small-Scale LNG (SSLNG), which delivers energy more flexibly and reliably. Let’s explore the vital role of this technology in expanding access to clean energy.
What Is Small-Scale LNG (SSLNG)?
Small-Scale LNG (SSLNG) refers to an LNG supply chain that operates on a smaller scale than conventional LNG. Designed for markets difficult to reach by large gas infrastructure, its capacity ranges from 10,000 to 500,000 tons per year (vs. large terminals that handle millions of tons).
SSLNG breaks down the LNG supply chain into smaller units: using ships, trucks, or ISO containers instead of giant tankers. This allows natural gas to be distributed to islands or isolated areas.
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How Does SSLNG Work?
The SSLNG cycle can begin at a large LNG terminal that breaks down LNG cargo into smaller units (break-bulk) or at a mini-liquefaction plant built near a local gas source. The SSLNG workflow is as follows:
- LNG is produced at a large terminal (break-bulk) or a mini-plant near the gas source.
- The gas is liquefied (-162°C) and stored in cryogenic tanks.
- Distribution uses flexible modes: trucks, small ships, trains, or ISO tanks.
- At the destination, the LNG can be used directly or regasified in small units.
- The regasified gas is then distributed to factories, small power plants, or LNG/CNG transportation stations.
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5 Key Roles of Small-Scale LNG
SSLNG may be small in scale, but its impact is significant across various aspects, making it a crucial element of modern energy strategies.
1. Expanding Access to Remote Areas
In archipelagic nations like Indonesia, many regions are disconnected from national gas pipelines. SSLNG serves as an effective “beyond pipeline” solution to deliver clean energy to these areas.
Through trucks, small ships, or trains, LNG can be brought to remote islands and communities that previously relied only on expensive and polluting fuels like diesel.
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2. Flexible Energy for Small and Medium Industries
SSLNG provides flexible and cost-efficient energy solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Many SMEs are located outside major industrial hubs and lack access to a reliable gas supply.
With SSLNG, factories, small power plants, and isolated industrial zones can secure a steady supply of natural gas, enabling them to operate more efficiently and sustainably.
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3. Accelerating the Energy Transition
SSLNG plays an important role in accelerating energy transition, particularly in off-grid regions that still depend on diesel or oil for power and industrial needs.
Natural gas is much cleaner, producing 50–60% lower CO₂ emissions than coal, and significantly lower than diesel. This reduces both greenhouse gases and local air pollutants.
By enabling smaller-scale distribution, SSLNG allows SMEs and remote communities to switch more quickly from dirty fossil fuels to cleaner natural gas, making the transition practical, affordable, and environmentally friendly.
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4. Reducing Emissions from Off-Grid Industries
Off-grid industries usually rely on diesel generators that emit high levels of CO₂, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Switching to SSLNG offers major environmental benefits:
- CO₂: 20–30% lower emissions compared to diesel
- SOx: almost zero, as LNG contains no sulfur
- NOx: 70–90% lower than diesel
- Particulates: drastically reduced, improving local air quality
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5. Enhancing Energy Reliability
SSLNG strengthens energy reliability for small industries and power plants, particularly in regions not served by pipelines. Its advantages include:
- Flexible distribution: by truck, small vessel, or container, depending on the location
- Continuity of supply: more dependable than diesel in remote areas, reducing fuel shortages
- Operational efficiency: a stable energy supply helps industries plan production better
- Economic impact: secure energy access supports industrial activity and local economic growth
Read More: The Benefits of Coal and Its Risks
Differences Between SSLNG and Conventional LNG
The main differences between SSLNG and conventional LNG lie in the scale of operation, infrastructure, and target market.
- Scale & Volume: Millions of tons/year, large LNG vessels: 10,000–500,000 tons/year, small vessels/trucks/ISO tanks
- Infrastructure: Large liquefaction and regasification terminals, high investment, modular and small facilities, lower investment
- Target Market: Large industries, international exports, national power plants, small industries, small power plants, off-grid communities
With these characteristics, SSLNG offers a more flexible energy solution for reaching areas difficult to serve by conventional LNG, while also demonstrating that its small size can deliver maximum impact.
References:
- U.S. Department of Energy. Accessed 2025. Small-Scale and Containerized LNG
- ResearchGate. Accessed 2025. Small-Scale versus Large-Scale LNG Plants
- ESDM. Accessed 2025. Indonesia to Continue Developing Mini LNG Terminals for Its Archipelagic Regions
