January 31, 2024

CNOOC turning LNG cold energy into valuable resource for aquaculture

China National Offshore Corp (CNOOC), the country's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) importer, has pioneered a ground-breaking project that harnesses cold energy for the aquaculture industry, China Daily reported.

The project, implemented at its largest LNG receiving terminal, transforms the significant amount of cold energy produced during LNG vaporisation and distribution into a valuable resource for aquatic cultivation within the terminal.

Rather than releasing the cold energy into the ocean, CNOOC has adopted an innovative approach, creating a marine-like environment within the terminal. Approximately 1,000 kg of red snappers, lobsters, and other high-value fish species are raised in the cold water, demonstrating that the fishes meet various physiological indicators, according to the company.

While cold energy has traditionally been used for low-temperature power generation and refrigerated storage, CNOOC's initiative marks the first application of LNG cold energy in aquatic cultivation. Analyst Li Ziyue from BloombergNEF said this as a significant step in constructing modern ocean ranches in China's LNG industry.

CNOOC's aquaculture experiment targets high-value fish species like grouper and snapper, as well as seafood such as shrimp, crab, and sea cucumber. The projected annual output is expected to reach 100,000 kg. The use of cold energy in aquaculture is anticipated to reduce overall costs by 30% compared to traditional methods.

Temperature control is a major cost factor in aquaculture, and the project is poised to significantly reduce expenses, providing substantial economic benefits. Cao Yueming, secretary-general of the Seed Branch of the Shenzhen Fisheries Industry Association, said that lobster cultivation is a primary focus due to its high value and strict environmental requirements. The project aims to replace high-end seafood imports through local breeding, particularly for lobster, which is currently primarily imported.

-        China Daily