Photo by Yan Jianzhong: LNG Cold Energy Power Generation System

Recently, China's first domestically developed LNG (liquefied natural gas) cold energy power generation system at CNOOC's Ningbo "Green Energy Port" has achieved a cumulative power output exceeding 10 million kWh. This milestone marks a major breakthrough in the application of key core technologies in China's LNG cold energy power generation sector, signifying great importance for accelerating high-quality utilization of LNG cold energy and fostering new quality productive forces.

The system, constructed as part of the Phase II project of Ningbo "Green Energy Port" receiving terminal, is based on a split-type intermediate medium vaporizer and employs a low-temperature Rankine cycle process for power generation. With an annual designed power output of approximately 23 million kWh, it is equivalent to reducing 14,000 tons of CO₂ emissions per year or planting 780,000 trees, demonstrating remarkable energy-saving and carbon-reduction effects.

The system innovatively utilizes the temperature differential energy during LNG regasification: using seawater as the heat source, LNG as the cold source, and propane as the intermediate working fluid in a closed-loop cycle.

Cui Weiyong, Deputy Manager of Operations and Senior Production Specialist at Ningbo "Green Energy Port," explained: "The process is similar to 'boiling water'—liquid propane acts as the 'water,' ambient-temperature seawater serves as the 'fire' for heating, and the 'boiler' is the seawater heat exchanger in the intermediate medium vaporizer. The seawater heats and 'boils' the liquid propane into gas, which then drives a turbine to generate electricity. The propane is subsequently re-condensed by LNG back into liquid for reuse. This process consumes no fossil fuels and is entirely clean and efficient."

"The construction of this cold energy power generation system is highly significant—not only as a concrete action in implementing the national dual-carbon development strategy and CNOOC’s energy-saving policies, but also as a crucial initiative in promoting green, low-carbon development and achieving cost reduction and efficiency gains," Cui added. The successful commissioning and stable operation of the system at Ningbo "Green Energy Port" enriches the methods of cold energy utilization in LNG terminals, contributing to maximizing green power efficiency and economic benefits. (Reporters: Mao Feiying, Yan Jianzhong; Correspondents: Huang Likai, Li Jun, Wei Hanxiang, Hu Ting)