Natural gas is a versatile energy resource. It fuels power plants, heats homes, and is used in many consumer products. It also produces fewer emissions when burned than coal or oil.
It is also more reliable than electricity, making it a smart choice for businesses. Read on to learn more about the benefits of this versatile fuel.
Table of Contents
It’s Cleaner
Several people still need to be made aware of what is natural gas benefits and how everyone may find it helpful. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that produces less pollution and greenhouse gases than other forms of energy. When burned, it emits 45% less carbon dioxide than coal and 30% less than oil.
Like all fossil fuels, it requires a lot of heat to produce electricity. But because it is more efficient than coal, it can have half as much energy per unit of emissions.
In addition to its lower climate impact, it also emits fewer conventional air pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and particulates. And, because it burns so cleanly, it generates minimal mercury and dioxins when used in power plants.
Unlike oil, which is produced from crude, most of the world’s natural gas is extracted from deep underneath the Earth’s surface. It is found in large, rock-bound chambers that engineers locate by conducting seismic surveys — sending deafening sound waves into the ground and examining the patterns of how those waves bounce back.
It is essential to support robust and state-based pollution controls on all aspects of the industry – from drilling and production to transportation and distribution to consumption in homes and businesses.
It’s Affordable
Regarding energy pricing, natural gas is the most affordable of all fossil fuels. It’s the cleanest and safest energy source, costing less than electricity to power your home and business.
When you choose natural gas to heat your home or operate your appliances, you’re investing in a safe, reliable energy resource made right here at home. And, at just one-third of the cost of electricity for heating and cooking, households using a combination of natural gas and electricity save an average of $5,700 over 15 years.
Like many other energy sources, natural gas must be processed before it can be used to power homes and businesses. It’s extracted from wells and fed into processing plants, where it’s odorized to detect leaks and ensure safety. Then, it’s transported in a network of underground pipes to delivery trucks, homes, and businesses.
It’s a safe, dependable fuel used to power businesses for decades. It also works as a backup to renewables, providing a continuous power flow when those sources experience peak production and demand.
It’s Domestic
Natural gas is the fuel source that most Americans rely on to cook their meals, heat their homes, and power their vehicles. As the cleanest burning fossil fuel, it produces less carbon monoxide and air pollution than coal or oil, making it the most environmentally sound choice for generating electricity and providing energy for your business.
It is extracted from the Earth through wells and hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” processes, then transported through pipelines to homes. It is odorless and colorless, and non-toxic. It’s also the safest and most reliable power source in your home. According to the Energy Information Administration, the primary use of natural gas is for electrical generation, supplying 25% of the nation’s electric power. It is also used to heat homes and office spaces. Heating with natural gas is more cost-effective than an electric heating pump, and it’s available even during winter storms and power outages.
Unlike other fuel sources that rely on foreign markets, natural gas is produced here in the United States, which helps support our country’s economy. By embracing this domestic fuel, your business can impact the local community and help reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources. Plus, since it’s delivered via underground pipelines, embracing natural gas eliminates the need for storage tanks that can rust or cause environmental issues like oil spills.
It’s Sustainable
The world’s natural gas reserves are vast, and it can be a long-term sustainable energy option. It is more sustainable than coal, oil, and other fossil fuels, as it produces fewer conventional air pollutants and carbon dioxide when burned to make the same amount of energy.
It emits 45% less carbon dioxide and 9% less particulates than coal and half as much as the best petroleum fuels when burned. In addition, it reduces greenhouse gases by 13% to 17% more than gasoline or diesel when used in vehicles. And when stored as compressed natural gas, it doesn’t spill like other petroleum fuels and can avoid the environmental impacts of an oil spill.
Methane is the main component of natural gas, making up more than 80% of its mixture. It is a nontoxic gas and is usually odorized with sulfur compounds to make it recognizable in case of a leak, as it can be flammable. When combusted, methane creates clean, renewable electricity and heat while helping to alleviate the greenhouse effect by reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
Powering your business with natural gas provides backup power during winter storms or electrical outages. It lets you focus on running your business rather than worrying about your energy bills or keeping water heaters and lights on.