The GL3Z Complex, with a mega train with a production capacity of 4.7 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year, which entered production in 2014, was designed to increase LNG production, indicated the Director of this complex, Omar Bouri, in a statement to the press during a guided tour organized for the media on the premises.
Liquefaction makes it possible to condense natural gas and transform it into liquid (LNG), which facilitates its transport by sea, he explained, adding that “it involves reducing the volume of natural gas by 600 times, which facilitates the storage and transport of this material, knowing that this form makes it possible to reach very distant markets, in Europe and Asia.
The mega train of the GL3Z complex mainly produces LNG (up to 4.7 million tonnes per year), but also certain by-products such as propane (275,000 tonnes/year), ethane (300,000 tonnes/year), butane (58,000 tonnes/year), gasoline (47,000 tonnes/year), and even a flow of gas rich in helium, which is transferred to the Helios complex, part of the same group, said the Director General of the complex.
The GL3Z complex thus emerges as a crucial element in the LNG production chain. With its mega production train, its role in the LQS activity strengthens the strategic position of the Sonatrach group on the international market.
The Sonatrach group is today among the world leaders in the LNG and LPG industry, according to the presentation of the LQS activity on the website of the same group.
“As part of its new strategy, focused on operational performance, the Company reaffirms its desire to accelerate the development of LNG production capacities and the strengthening of the Algerian presence on the international gas market”, according to the same source, emphasizing that "this strategy is based around the implementation of major structuring projects with high added value, which will have a significant impact on the Company's results."