Decision-making tools for a LNG regasification plant siting

Abstract

The increasing energy demand in Argentina and the delayed development of local sources have forced the government to import natural gas from overseas. Nowadays, one of the most efficient energy carrier is the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Following this trend, Argentina began to import LNG to be regasified and injected into the existing gas network. The conversion from liquid to gas can be done using onshore facilities or regasification ships moored at specially designed docks for this purpose. In this case, Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRU) were chosen to satisfy quickly the increasing demand. At this moment, Argentina has two injection sites, one located at Ing. White port (Bahía Blanca) and one at Escobar port (Escobar), both in Buenos Aires province. However, to satisfy the long term demand, new projects of onshore plants are being considered in Bahía Blanca. This paper considers different aspects included in the risk based land use planning. In order to determine the most appropriate place for the construction of LNG terminals, Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA) techniques are used to complement social and environmental studies. Two alternative operation sites in the Bahía Blanca estuary are analyzed. The first one is located at Cuatreros port, near General Cerri city and the second at Rosales port, near Punta Alta city. Advantages and disadvantages such as the presence of other industrial facilities, distance to populated areas, evacuation routes, social and environmental factors and distance to be traveled by the regasified LNG in the ducts are discussed. As for the onshore accident risks, it can be concluded that both locations are possible if appropriate preventive measures should be taken in each location. However, other environmental considerations like the route of the ship into the estuary and the need for dredging identify Rosales port as the most suitable location.