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Raw materials for city gas include natural gas such as LNG(liquefied natural gas) and indigenous natural gas, and petroleum gas such as LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). At present, more than 90% of raw materials of city gas is natural gas.
””Japan started to import LNG in 1969 to secure a long-term supply of raw materials and promote alternative energy to oil. There are abundant supplies of natural gas around the world, estimated to be enough to last about 60 years, and procurable from outside the Middle East. Japan”Ēs city gas utilities import LNG mainly from Pacific Rim countries based on long-term contracts and ensure stable supplies.
””Further, the production of shale gas has recently increased, particularly in the USA, and the presence of abundant shale gas reserves is being identified in various parts of the world. |
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Proved reserves of natural gas (as of 2010) |
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| More than 90% of raw materials is natural gas such as LNG |
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Trends of raw materials for city gas |
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| *Totals might not equal 100% due to rounding. |
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Amount of gas production and purchases classified by raw materials |
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| (million m3 [10,000 kcal or 41.8605 MJ/m3]) |
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| *Totals may not add up due to rounding. |
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| Rise of natural gas as a main energy source |
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Trend and outlook of primary energy supply |
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Source: Outlook for long-term energy supply and demand (reculculation) by the Energy Supply and
Demand Subcommittee, Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy,
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (August, 2009) |
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| LNG contributing to diversifying source areas |
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LNG imports (unit: million tons) |
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| *Sources: Japan”Ēs Exports & Imports (Ministry of Finance) |
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Expanding Development of Shale Gas Reserves in the World |
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| *Source: Schlumberger |
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Additional Reserves from Unconventional Gases |
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| Source: IEA World Energy Outlook 2011 Special Report, BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2011 |
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| LNG tanker |
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Liquefied natural gas
Liquefied natural gas, or LNG, is a
colorless clear liquid produced by cooling
natural gas. Natural gas becomes liquid
when cooled to around -162”ėC at
approximately atmospheric pressure. The
volume of this liquid is one six
hundredth that of the gas, meaning that
large quantities of natural gas can be
transported by LNG tanker. |
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