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The comparison between Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and coal depends on various factors, including environmental impact, energy efficiency, and economic considerations. Here’s a breakdown of how LNG and coal compare across these dimensions:

 Environmental Impact

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
   - LNG: When burned for energy, LNG emits less carbon dioxide (CO₂) compared to coal. On average, natural gas-fired power plants produce about 50-60% less CO₂ per unit of electricity generated than coal-fired plants.
   - Coal: Coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel. Burning coal releases more CO₂, contributing significantly to global warming.

2. Air Pollutants:
   - LNG: Natural gas combustion produces fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter compared to coal.
   - Coal: Coal combustion releases a higher amount of air pollutants, including SO₂, NOx, particulate matter, and mercury, which have serious health and environmental impacts.

3. Methane Leaks:
   - LNG: Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, can leak during the extraction, processing, and transportation of natural gas. These methane emissions can significantly offset the lower CO₂ emissions advantage of natural gas over coal.
   - Coal: While methane is also released during coal mining, especially in underground mines, the methane emissions are typically lower compared to those in the natural gas supply chain.

 Energy Efficiency

1. LNG: Natural gas power plants, especially combined cycle plants, are generally more efficient than coal-fired power plants. Combined cycle plants can achieve efficiencies of around 60%, whereas coal plants typically have efficiencies of 30-40%.
2. Coal: Older coal-fired power plants are often less efficient, leading to higher fuel consumption and greater emissions per unit of electricity produced.

 Economic Considerations

1. Cost:
   - LNG: The cost of LNG can be higher due to the complex process of liquefaction, transportation, and regasification. However, natural gas plants are generally cheaper and faster to build than coal plants.
   - Coal: Coal has traditionally been cheaper as a fuel source in many parts of the world, but the costs associated with pollution control technologies and carbon pricing mechanisms can increase the overall cost of coal-fired power.

2. Infrastructure:
   - LNG: Requires infrastructure for liquefaction, transport (LNG carriers), and regasification terminals. Also, requires pipelines for distribution.
   - Coal: Requires mining infrastructure, transportation (trains, ships), and storage facilities. Power plants need extensive pollution control equipment.

 Conclusion

Overall, LNG is generally considered better than coal from an environmental perspective due to its lower CO₂ emissions and fewer air pollutants. However, methane leakage in the natural gas supply chain can reduce its climate benefits. Economic and infrastructural considerations can vary based on regional availability and market dynamics.

Efforts to minimize methane leaks and improve the efficiency of LNG production and transportation can enhance its environmental advantage over coal. However, transitioning to renewable energy sources remains the most sustainable long-term solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.