The Purpose of the Article
This article aims to give readers an overall idea of it’s advantages. With the increased threat of climate change, the world is moving towards green, sustainable energy sources. Thus, the role of natural gas in the energy framework needs reviewing from economic and environmental perspectives. Moreover, the social aspects of natural gas have also kept industrial countries in a constant dilemma. By examining natural gas’s economic, environmental, and social factors, readers will have an overall idea about it so they can draw their ideas and conclusions.
Global energy policy and consumption rely heavily on natural gas, the leading fossil fuel. Natural gas is a cleaner and greener alternative to oil and coal. Widely used in various sectors, such as domestic, transportation, power generation, and industry. With its effective utilization and competitive pricing, natural gas is the most popular energy source globally.
Natural Gas Also Has Its Drawbacks
On the other hand, conventional fossil fuels have always caused harmful impacts on the environment. Therefore, higher natural gas consumption can also lead to various environmental hazards. The top reason for the growing concern is air pollution. While generating electricity, it releases carbon dioxide into the air, which is the leading cause of global warming. Excessive consumption can also result in water pollution. Additionally, the extraction and refining of natural gas lead to the release of harmful chemicals into the environment, which leads to health issues.
What’s Natural Gas, and How it is Formed
Natural gas is a fossil fuel formed deep beneath the Earth’s surface throughout millions of years from the decayed remains of ancient plants and animals. It is a colorless, odorless gas formed mostly from methane (CH₄), usually between 70-90 percent of natural gas. This gas also contains traces of other hydrocarbons such as ethane (C₂H₆), propane (C₃H₈), and butane (C₄H₁₀), and generally small amounts of non-hydrocarbons such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen (N₂), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), and helium (He).
Natural gas is stored in large underground reservoirs, often associated with other fossil fuels, such as oil, coal, or isolated pockets. Found in shale formations, coal beds (known as coalbed methane), and methane hydrate deposits under the seabed. They extract it by drilling and, in some cases, hydraulic fracturing (fracking), in which water, sand, and chemicals are injected into the rock to unlock the stored, trapped gas.
From there, gas companies process it to remove contaminants and separate other constituents to produce ‘dry’ or purified natural gas. This clean-burning energy source gets delivered to your home, business, or power plant. It is one of the most efficient and versatile forms of fuel available for use in all applications.
Cost-Effectiveness Led to a Boom in Domestic Production
As a fossil fuel, natural gas experts increasingly recognize it as the most economically attractive fuel compared to other fossil fuels, particularly oil and coal, in terms of unit cost for consumers and industries or the total cost. This is why shale gas production in North America, in particular, has led to a boom in domestic production of natural gas and, in turn, has also driven down the price of natural gas in global markets. Part of the explanation for low natural gas prices lies in the abundance of the resource. The other part of the explanation lies in technological developments in the drilling industry.
In particular, this includes the ability to use hydraulic fracturing in combination with horizontal drilling in shale gas plays. These advances have increased Supply and simultaneously reduced costs, with consumer prices following the lower extraction costs. Those using the gas recognize it as a relatively cheap energy source compared with other fossil fuels and other energy sources. This means it is a good fuel for electricity generation, water heating, industry, and other uses. In other words, it can save consumers and users money compared to alternatives. This helps economies in various ways: it lowers business costs, increases competitiveness, and promotes economic growth.
Job Creation is an Economic Benefit
It provides jobs for millions of people worldwide, not just in producing natural gas itself but also in associated sectors such as pipeline construction, equipment manufacturing, and environmental management. The economic benefits of the natural gas industry often flow to local communities through investments in infrastructure, education, and social services, helping to spur broader economic development.
Energy Security by Reducing Dependence on Foreign Oil and Gas
Domestic natural gas production improves energy security by reducing dependence on imported energy. For countries with abundant natural gas resources, like the United States, domestic production means more energy independence, greater ability to influence energy prices and supplies, and less vulnerability to geopolitical pressures and market volatility that can impact the availability and cost of foreign energy imports. Domestic natural gas production reduces the economic and political risks associated with dependence on foreign oil and gas by stabilizing energy markets, giving a reliable and affordable supply of energy to consumers and businesses so that we have ‘energy we can count on’ during international crises.
Environmental Benefits
Lower Emissions for Other Countries to Transition Into
So, while natural gas is a fossil fuel, it produces far less carbon dioxide (CO₂) if burned than other fossil fuels. For instance, this gas emits 50-60 percent less CO₂ than coal when used to generate electricity. By displacing coal with increasing amounts of natural gas, the greenhouse gas emissions profile of the energy sector can be significantly reduced. This has proven to be a key argument for using the gas as a transition fuel to a low-carbon electricity sector. Natural gas has become increasingly attractive for countries looking to reduce their carbon emissions without disrupting their energy supply, given its lower emissions profile compared with other fossil fuels.
Cleaner Burning Because it Makes Fewer Pollutants than Coal and Oil
Always recognized as a ‘cleaner-burning’ fuel because when burned, it makes fewer pollutants than coal and oil. Burning natural gas produces virtually no sulfur dioxide (SO₂), mercury, or particulate matter; all pose risks to human health and the environment. These are physical pollutants that account for much of the smog and acid rain that has plagued the US for centuries, as well as respiratory problems among those living in areas with poor air quality. The more ‘cleanly’ it burns, the cleaner the air will be, which means less money is spent on health care for individuals sickened by pollution. This environmental benefit is why natural gas has become more prevalent in urban areas and other areas with strict air-quality regulations.
Transition Fuel That Will Reduce the Carbon Footprint
Many experts often call it a ‘bridge fuel’ for transitioning from high-carbon fossil fuels to low-carbon and renewable energy sources. This is because of its relatively low emissions and abundance, making it a viable option for countries and industries that want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing the reliability of their energy supply. As renewable energy technologies, like wind, solar, and hydropower, continue to develop and become more cost-effective, natural gas can act as a transitional energy source. Governments utilize it as a backup for intermittent renewable energy sources. For example, as its emissions are relatively low, it is easy to ramp up or down quickly to meet energy demands. It would help facilitate the gradual transition to a low-carbon energy mix.
Reliability and Versatility
Consistent Supply Makes it a ‘Bankable’ Source of Energy
One main argument favoring the gas is that it is ‘reliable.’ Unlike renewable energies, it is available on demand and can be extracted and delivered whenever needed. This makes natural gas a linchpin of energy grids, particularly in regions that experience spikes in energy demand at different times of day or year. The existing extensive pipeline networks, storage facilities, and distribution systems further increase the reliability of natural gas, making it a ‘bankable’ energy source.
Multiple Uses Make it a Vital Input Into Many Industries
One of its main benefits is its broad applicability. Natural gas has many and varied applications, From heating homes and industry to generating electricity and running engines in vehicles and power stations. Its use as a starting material (or feedstock) to manufacture chemicals and fertilizers makes it a vital input into many industries. Its applicability across many sectors makes natural gas integral to modern economies. Gas companies can convert it into a liquid form known as liquefied natural gas (LNG), significantly increasing flexibility by making it easy to transport and use in countries without natural gas pipelines.
Natural Gas is a Perfect Energy Source For Every Room in the House
Natural gas is a valuable resource in our daily lives. Considered a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and reliable energy resource in global energy markets. This helps to sustain and stimulate economic growth and increase energy security. At the same time, natural gas is an important energy resource for our homes. It provides a convenient, low-cost home heating, cooking, and hot water source. Because it’s consistent, clean, and versatile, it can be used in virtually every room in the house. It is the perfect energy resource for homeowners, providing comfort and convenience while ensuring a safe, warm, and energy-efficient home life. In the landscape of sustainable energy resources, the many benefits of natural gas will remain a part of our energy landscape.
