GHG footprint for coal and natural gas compared to LNG exports in the U.S. 2023

Liquid natural gas (LNG) is often referred to as a bridging fuel that will support the global clean energy transition. However, estimates show that the life-cycle emissions from U.S. LNG exports may be greater than coal's. While lifecycle emissions of coal used domestically in the U.S. are around 120 g CO₂e/MJ, the total emissions of LNG imported from the U.S. on a short journey, powered by LNG is 148 g CO₂e/MJ. This is roughly 24 percent higher than coal's climate footprint. Meanwhile, the total emissions for LNG exported on long journeys powered by heavy fuel oil is even higher, at more than 300 g CO₂e/MJ. With shipments of more than 100 billion cubic meters in 2022, the U.S. is one of the world's largest exporters of LNG.