Gas Distribution / Virtual Pipelines

GAS DISTRIBUTION / VIRTUAL PIPELINES

Virtual-pipeline is an alternative method of transporting natural gas to key demand centres in the absence of an existing pipeline network. Virtual pipeline systems allow liquefied or compressed natural gas to be transported on mobile platforms, which could be mounted on trucks, railway or small-scale vessels by sea. Once at the desire demand centre the module is subsequently connected to the decompression and/or regasification unit and converted back to a gaseous state for use in the industrial, power or residential sectors. The main advantage of a virtual pipeline system is the flexibility in volume and industry in which gas supplied, which is an ideal solution for growing gas demand by supplying isolated regions.

Mozambique

The discovery of large natural gas reserves in Rovuma Basin in northern Mozambique has positioned the country for more than $30billion of investment to produce 20MT of LNG per year, the revenues from which is like to underpin robust economic growth going forward. Furthermore, the Mozambican government is also putting much needed reforms in place to formulate a domestic gas-based economy and improve gas utilisation in the industrial sector as well as for power generation. Crucial to this endeavour, is improving distribution; SPI is leading a project that aims to create a virtual pipeline to connect and organically grow gas demand in key demand centres throughout the country.