Benefits & Uses of Commercial & Industrial Piped Natural Gas (PNG)

As industries and businesses worldwide aim for efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, Piped Natural Gas (PNG) has emerged as a preferred energy source. PNG offers a continuous, reliable, and eco-friendly solution that meets the growing energy demands of various sectors. It is particularly valuable in commercial and industrial settings, where energy needs are high, and efficiency is paramount.

In this blog, we'll explore:

What is PNG and the benefits of PNG and its diverse commercial and industrial uses, helping businesses understand why switching to PNG is a smart move.

What is PNG?

Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is natural gas delivered to users through a network of pipelines. It mainly consists of methane and is extracted from underground reserves. Before it reaches consumers, the gas is processed to remove impurities, ensuring its safety and efficiency.

Unlike liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is supplied in cylinders, PNG is provided directly via pipelines, offering a continuous and uninterrupted gas supply. It is widely used in homes, commercial establishments, and industries due to its convenience and reliability.

Natural gas is playing a key role in helping industries achieve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals in several ways, particularly by contributing to sustainability, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing social responsibility. Here's how:

1. Environmental Impact (E)

   - Lower Carbon Emissions: Natural gas produces significantly less carbon dioxide (CO2) when burned compared to coal and oil. Industries switching to natural gas as a fuel can substantially reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, supporting climate action goals and contributing to cleaner air.

   - Efficiency in Energy Generation: Natural gas-fired power plants are more efficient than coal plants. Industries that use it for energy can optimize their operations and minimize waste, reducing their overall environmental footprint.

   - Reduced Air Pollution: Natural gas combustion results in fewer pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. This helps industries reduce air pollution, contributing to cleaner ecosystems and improved public health.

2. Social Responsibility (S)

   - Health Benefits: By cutting down on harmful emissions like particulates and SO2, industries using natural gas contribute to better air quality, reducing respiratory illnesses and improving public health, especially in communities near industrial sites.

   - Support for Local Economies: Natural gas development and infrastructure can create jobs in the regions where it is extracted and distributed, supporting local economies and boosting social development. Additionally, its cleaner burning properties can help industries reduce health-related liabilities.

3. Governance (G)

   - Compliance with Regulations: Using natural gas helps industries comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations related to emissions and pollution control. Many governments offer incentives for cleaner energy use, and switching to natural gas can demonstrate compliance with these standards.

   - ESG Transparency: Industries that adopt natural gas and other cleaner energy sources can improve transparency in their sustainability reporting, a key factor in satisfying investors focused on ESG criteria. This can enhance governance practices by aligning operations with global sustainability frameworks and demonstrating a commitment to decarbonization.

Benefits of PNG for Commercial and Industrial Use

Continuous & Uninterrupted Supply

One of the most significant advantages of PNG is its uninterrupted supply. Unlike LPG, which needs periodic replacement and storage, PNG flows directly through pipelines, ensuring a constant energy supply. This reliability is particularly beneficial for industries that rely on steady fuel inputs for their operations.

Eco-Friendly

PNG is a cleaner fuel, producing lower levels of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). This makes it an excellent choice for industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with stringent environmental regulations.

For industries committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR), using PNG can contribute to meeting environmental standards and enhancing their eco-friendly image.

Safety

PNG is considered safer than many other fuels due to its low flammability and quick dispersal in case of a leak. As it is lighter than air, PNG rapidly dissipates, reducing the risk of fire or explosion in the event of a leak.

Additionally, industrial PNG systems often come equipped with automated safety measures, such as emergency shut-off valves, which further enhance operational safety.

Storage-Free Solution

Unlike LPG or diesel, PNG does not require storage tanks, freeing up valuable space in industrial and commercial facilities. This also eliminates the need for regular refills and the logistical hassle of managing fuel storage, leading to improved operational efficiency.

Precision and Efficiency

PNG allows for precise control over energy usage, making it ideal for industries that require consistent heat or energy inputs for manufacturing processes. Its efficient combustion also reduces energy waste, contributing to overall energy savings.

No Handling Issues

With PNG, there's no need for manual handling of heavy gas cylinders, reducing labour costs and the risks associated with handling and storage. This leads to streamlined operations in industries where fuel management is a significant aspect of daily operations.

Cost-Effectiveness

In industries where fuel consumption is high, cost efficiency is critical. PNG is generally more affordable than other fuels like diesel, furnace oil, or LPG. Moreover, PNG prices are more stable due to regulated pricing structures, which helps industries manage their energy costs more effectively.

Industrial applications also benefit from reduced maintenance costs/scaling losses as PNG burns cleaner, leading to less wear and tear on equipment. LPG operations require running of a vaporizer which entails additional electricity cost. Such costs are eliminated with PNG.

Commercial & Industrial Uses of PNG

1. Manufacturing Industries

Boilers and Furnaces: PNG is widely used to fire boilers and furnaces in industries such as textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The clean and efficient combustion of PNG makes it ideal for producing steam, which is essential in many manufacturing processes.

Power Generation: PNG powers cogeneration plants that produce both electricity and heat, making it a popular choice in industries that require large amounts of both energy types.

2. Food and Beverage Industry

Commercial Kitchens: Restaurants, hotels, and food processing units increasingly use PNG for cooking due to its consistent flame and easy temperature control. PNG reduces downtime, as there is no need to change cylinders, and eliminates safety concerns related to gas storage.

Large Bakeries- PNG ensures uniform heating which reduces the number of rejections thereby improving the efficiency.

Processing and Packaging: PNG is used for heating, drying, and sterilizing equipment in food processing plants, ensuring that operations are carried out efficiently and hygienically.

3. Glass and Ceramics Industry

Glass Melting and Moulding: The glass industry requires very high temperatures for melting raw materials like sand and soda ash. PNG offers consistent heat levels, which is crucial for achieving uniformity and precision in glass products.

Ceramics: In the ceramics industry, PNG is used in kilns for firing clay products at high temperatures, ensuring high-quality finishes without impurities that other fuels may introduce.

4. Textile Industry

PNG plays a key role in textile mills where it is used for heating water, generating steam, and drying fabrics. The reliability and consistency of PNG are crucial for maintaining high production quality and reducing wastage.

5. Chemical and Fertilizer Industry

Feedstock for Chemicals: PNG is not only a fuel but also a raw material in the production of chemicals such as methanol and ammonia, which are essential in producing fertilizers and other industrial chemicals.

Heat Source: It is used to provide the heat necessary for chemical reactions, maintaining controlled temperatures critical for producing high-quality outputs.

6. Metal Processing Industry

Smelting and Forging: The metal industry relies on high temperatures to melt and shape metals like aluminium and steel. PNG provides the intense and steady heat necessary for smelting, forging, and welding, making it an ideal fuel source.

Refining: PNG is also used in refineries for processing metals and refining petrochemicals, thanks to its clean combustion that minimizes contamination risks.

7. Healthcare Industry

Sterilization and Laundry Services: Hospitals and healthcare facilities use PNG for sterilizing medical equipment and providing hot water for laundry services. Its reliable and safe supply ensures critical healthcare processes run smoothly.

Heating: Many hospitals also use PNG for space heating and water heating, creating comfortable and hygienic environments for patients and staff.

8. Rolling Mills Industry- Coal/Furnace oil is used here, which causes scaling losses, unlike with PNG.

9. Transport and Fleet Management

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG): A variant of PNG, CNG is widely used as an alternative fuel for vehicles, especially in public transport systems and commercial fleets. It offers a cleaner and more cost-effective solution than diesel or gasoline, helping companies reduce both fuel costs and emissions.

Conclusion

As industries continue to seek sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions, Piped Natural Gas (PNG) stands out as an optimal choice. Whether it’s for powering machinery, fueling processes, or heating, PNG delivers on every front – reliability, cost savings, safety, and environmental impact. By using natural gas, industries can reduce their carbon footprint, comply with regulations, enhance social responsibility, and demonstrate leadership in ESG initiatives. Its diverse applications in commercial kitchens, manufacturing, metal processing, and more highlight its versatility, making PNG a cornerstone of modern industrial and commercial energy needs.