Study of the Profitability of LNG Plants of Algeria in All-Electric Drive

This paper represents an economic comparison study between conventional drive system, using gas turbines, and an all electric drive system, using large electric motors with variable frequency drive, for compressors used in natural gas liquefaction plants in Algeria. Studies already done for other cases have been analysed and it was considered useful to work on a real case for Algeria in order to provide a reference related to the conditions of this country. Given that the LNG3 plant provides for an extension by a second mega train, this plant is taken as a base case to study the profitability of that future mega train in all electric drive. The replacement of the existing drive system in the current mega train by an all electric drive system was also discussed. The study of the two cases was carried out taking into account the actual operating data of the LNG3 plant for the year 2021.