Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for Electrification – Policy Recommendation for reducing Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
| dc.contributor.advisor | Rioux, Jean-Sébastien | |
| dc.contributor.author | Shahi, Jagdev Singh | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2021-12-21T21:13:40Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2021-12-21T21:13:40Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2020-07-27 | |
| dc.description.abstract | This capstone evaluates the current energy mix for electrification both nationally and internationally; the potential for increasing natural gas and LNG for electrification; and current roadblocks in the operationalization of article 6 of the 2015 Paris Agreement towards achievement of binational benefits in climate change stabilization. The argument I make is that there could be merit to the proposition that exporting Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to markets in Asia, where growing demand for electrification is being met by building thermal coal plants, could actually lower global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions even if we account for the total life cycle emissions of exploring, producing, liquefying and exporting natural gas. Moreover, Canada could enter into diplomatic agreements with customer nations and use provisions contained in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement to jointly account for these GHG reductions. The capstone is organized by sections covering the following topics: how energy has shaped and organized our society; current climate change and energy policy in Canada and select nations around the world; energy security of supply and market access focusing specifically on Asia; and demand analysis for natural gas and LNG focusing specifically on Southeast Asia. I examine two case studies to assess the potential of Canadian LNG exports to Vietnam and Malaysia as part of the energy transition from coal to natural gas in Southeast Asia. Additional sections cover challenges related to implementation of Article 6 in the 2015 Paris Agreement, and an assessment of life cycle GHG emissions from natural gas and coal to determine net GHG emissions reduction possibilities. Finally, the last section provides key policy recommendations for advancing the competitiveness and international position of Canadian liquefied natural gas exports. I argue that, first, the use of western Canadian LNG can deliver a large net reduction in GHG emissions vi between two cooperating nations if the required clarity, proper accounting procedures, and support for Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMO) can be finalized in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement; second, the Government of Canada should leverage existing international partnerships, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), to support private investment and investors in Canadian LNG to achieve short-term and long-term offtake agreements. The Government of Canada can play a larger relationship building role since there is no state-owned oil and gas company; and third, the natural gas and LNG life cycle emits CH4 as fugitive emissions or “methane slip.” The need to better manage, monitor and control CH4 losses, in addition to venting and flaring, is critical to the success of the coal to natural gas energy transition. CH4 must be kept in the range of 1 to 3 per cent to realize the full environmental benefit of the energy transition of coal to natural gas. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Shahi, J. S. (2020). Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for Electrification – Policy Recommendation for reducing Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions (Unpublished master's project). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. | |
| dc.identifier.doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/39451 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/1880/114209 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher.department | School of Public Policy | |
| dc.publisher.faculty | Faculty of Graduate Studies | |
| dc.publisher.institution | University of Calgary | |
| dc.title | Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for Electrification – Policy Recommendation for reducing Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions | |
| dc.type | report |