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Liquefied Natural Gas Plant Upgrades

As part of our Clean Energy Commitment, we’re upgrading our liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant, to maintain a reliable backup supply of natural gas while reducing the facility’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Con Edison has applied to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for a modification of its Title V Air Emissions Permit to replace the existing gas turbine at its LNG plant at its facility at 31-01 20th Avenue in Astoria, Queens, with a new, more energy-efficient model.

The LNG plant provides a backup supply of natural gas that enables us to reliably serve our customers—including hospitals, schools, businesses, and homes—during unplanned demands on the gas supply system and extreme winter weather.

Keeping Customers Warm on the Coldest Days and Controlling Costs

Natural gas supplies about a third of the United States’ primary energy consumption, with its primary uses being heating and generating electricity. LNG—which stands for liquefied natural gas—is cleaner, more affordable, and easier to transport, and allows us to continue to serve our existing natural gas customers safely and reliably as we transition to a clean energy future.

When natural gas is cooled to −162 °C (−259 °F), LNG becomes a colorless, odorless liquid fuel. Changing the fuel from a gas to a liquid reduces it to about 1/600th of its original volume. This massive reduction makes it possible to store larger amounts of natural gas safely. Compared to other fossil fuels, LNG produces 30% less carbon dioxide than oil, and 45% less than coal.

When the demand for heat peaks during the winter, we can vaporize all the gas stored at 10 million cubic feet per hour over four days. This amounts to about 15% percent of the total daily supply needed to meet customer demand on the coldest winter days. The tank is generally filled by November 1 each year, so we can prepare for the upcoming heating season.

Why does Con Edison need to modify the Title V Air Permit?

The proposed upgrade will allow for continued operation of the existing facility with energy-efficient equipment that is more reliable and easier to maintain.

The modification would allow us to replace the existing, outdated combustion turbine with a new, lower emitting model. The existing turbine has been in operation since 1974 and cannot be repaired because the manufacturer no longer produces this turbine model or its parts.

Additionally, the permit would restrict the new turbine’s operating time to 4,380 hours per year. By limiting operating hours, the plant will produce lower emissions of CO2e and NOx compared to the existing equipment, which can operate continuously throughout the year.

The project will reduce the facility’s air emissions, improving air quality in the area without impacting LNG storage capacity, the amount of LNG vaporized, or increasing transmission of natural gas to the site for liquefaction.

Live nearby? Here’s What You Can Expect.

The project is scheduled to begin in 2024 and be completed by the end of 2025.

We do not expect the project’s installation, construction, or operation to be seen or heard by any surrounding communities. The work will take place entirely within the fence line of the Con Edison’s 200-acre Astoria facility in Queens, which is a closed campus that houses a variety of energy and utility operations.

Your electric and gas service will not be affected. You’ll still have the same, reliable power and heat throughout the project’s duration.

Application Forms and Supporting Materials

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