China harnesses LNG cold energy for high-end seafood cultivation, aims to reduce overseas reliance
- Trial project in Shenzhen cultivates high-value marine species, including grouper, lobster and abalone, using cold energy from liquefied natural gas
- China aims to reduce reliance on seafood imports as it places an increased emphasis on food security amid escalating geopolitical tensions
A trial project in China has successfully cultivated high-value marine species, such as grouper, lobster and abalone, by utilising cold energy from liquefied natural gas (LNG) as it seeks to diversify the sources of its seafood and reduce overseas reliance.
The trial – which uses cold energy produced during the heat exchange between seawater and LNG – took place at an LNG receiving terminal in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, the state asset watchdog said on its official social media account on Thursday.
The project is estimated to reach an annual output of 50 tonnes and reduce costs by around 30 per cent compared to conventional farming methods, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission said.
Devised in December 2022, the project introduced its first batch of fry – or young fish – a year later before successfully yielding fish in January, according to a report from the People’s Daily in January.
“Currently, lobsters in the food market are mainly imported from abroad. The project aims to replace imported high-end seafood products by using artificial propagation,” the WeChat post said.
The project is another stride in China’s ongoing efforts to reduce its reliance on seafood imports, as it is placing increasing emphasis on food security amid escalating geopolitical tensions.