Natural Gas Industry B (Feb 2021)
Interoperability of LNG terminals and gas pipeline networks
Abstract
The interchangeability between natural gas of different sources and LNG have been concerned and tackled to a certain extent at home, and the interconnection of gas infrastructures including LNG terminals and gas pipeline networks have also been lifted up to the national level since 2018. However, the research on the interoperability with overall-planning interchangeability and interconnection at a higher level is still in the blank stage at home. By extensively investigating EU's regulations and practices related to interoperability in the field of natural gas pipeline network, this paper put forward the conceptual definition of the interoperability of gas infrastructures including LNG terminals and gas pipeline networks for the first time. Then, the basic implementation framework and components of interoperability were set up. Finally, domestic latest typical cases which have presented the characteristics of interoperability in the recent two years were analyzed. And the following research results were obtained. First, interoperability and third-party access are two independent themes. Second, the target of interoperability is to realize the cross-system unimpeded flow of natural gas of all facility users between different facilities according to the uniform specification of specific technical standards, operation criteria and operation procedures of various facilities, based on interconnection, coordination and information interaction. Third, the framework of interoperability consists of 8 key elements, including gas quality standard & interchangeability, facility interconnection, facility interconnection agreement, unified measurement unit, unified electronic data exchange platform, technical capacity calculation method, approval procedure of LNG carrier entering the port and ship–shore compatibility unique to LNG terminals, and gas quality based LNG storage and tank loading rules. Fourth, it is recommended to give consideration to both target and requirement of interoperability and fully integrate 3 elements that are discussed more deeply and more crucial in EU countries (i.e., facility interconnection agreement, unified electronic data exchange platform and technical capacity calculation method) into the practice system of treatment reform of domestic natural gas industry chain.
