When gas prices fluctuate or the grid supply is no longer reliable, a business that uses natural gas for its production can suffer dire consequences. A synthetic natural gas installation gives you a flexible source of energy to fall back on, using the equipment you already have.
For many business owners, the memory of the energy crisis of 2022 is still enough to provoke fits of cold sweat and/or migraine. Back then, the global political situation put a huge strain on the natural gas market, causing prices to skyrocket. One question was suddenly eerily relevant: what do we do if we can’t afford gas from the grid anymore – or if the supply gets cut off altogether?
Today, in 2026, this question has unfortunately become part of the conversation again. We now see a renewed uncertainty about the availability of natural gas, and the price of the gas is moving in an uncomfortable direction.
For businesses with high energy consumption, this can have serious implications. Not only does a gas shortage drive up costs significantly. In the worst-case scenario, the authorities might even decide to restrict access to natural gas to homes and critical infrastructure, leaving businesses without the primary means to power their production.
A safety net for your energy supply
The threat of rising costs and curtailment has caused business owners around the world to explore solutions for synthetic natural gas, or SNG, as a way to ensure a steady supply of gas.
SNG is a mix of around 60% propane gas and 40% air from the atmosphere. It has the same chemical properties as gas from the grid, which means it can be used with the same burners, valves, etc.
Even more useful, it can be produced directly at your plant, giving you a readily available alternative if natural gas becomes too expensive or unavailable. All you need is a propane tank equipped with a vaporizer, a mixing unit to mix the propane with air, and a changeover valve. Once you have this installed, it’s as simple as turning the valve to switch from using natural gas to using SNG.
The advantage of an SNG installation is that it ensures the stability of your operation without requiring extensive rebuilding of your facilities. Since SNG is produced from LPG, which has a different supply chain than natural gas, it allows you to spread out your risks with a secure backup solution.
Tailored to individual needs
At MAKEEN Gas Equipment, we help businesses find the right SNG solution for their operation, energy demands, and existing installations. We know that each business has unique requirements, so it’s important to find the configuration that works optimally for each specific situation.
At MAKEEN Gas Equipment, we help businesses find the right SNG solution for their operation, energy demands, and existing installations. We know that each business has unique requirements, so it’s important to find the configuration that works optimally for each specific situation.
A future-ready solution
SNG may also play a role as new gas types become more widely available. Several suppliers are working with rLG, Renewable Liquefied Gas, also known as bioLPG. It is a gas based on organic residual streams and other renewable sources, and over time, it may become a relevant alternative to traditional LPG.
As rLG becomes more available, it can be used in SNG plants. This gives companies the opportunity to pursue their sustainability goals without necessarily having to replace their entire gas installation.
An SNG plant is therefore not only a solution to the current uncertainty in the gas market. It can also be a step towards a more flexible energy supply, helping companies become better prepared for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.
