Potential applications using LNG cold energy in Sicily

According to previsions, natural gas could be the main energy source worldwide, inducing relevant geopoliticalchanges. Most likely, such problems will be solved with the development of a gas transportation mode alternative totraditional pipelines: liquefied natural gas (LNG). The global LNG trade has increased rapidly during recent years. Asignificant amount of energy is consumed to produce low-temperature LNG, which has plenty of cryogenic exergy/energy. Therefore, the effective utilization of the cryogenic energy associated with LNG vaporization is very important.Sicily, with more than five million inhabitants, is the second biggest region of Italy and in this region will be realized twoof the 11 gasification plants planned in Italy according to the regional energy master-plan. This paper shows someinteresting applications for the cold produced in gasification plants, e.g. for seawater desalination and for fresh andfrozen food production and conservation. These applications seem very interesting for Sicilian situation and also cancontribute to energy saving and greenhouse gases reduction to match Kyoto Protocol targets. Copyright # 2008 JohnWiley & Sons, Ltd.