Natural gas is a fossil fuel, although its global warming emissions are substantially lower than those from coal or oil combustion. When combusted in a modern, efficient natural gas power plant, natural gas produces 50 to 60 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) than emissions from a typical new coal plant [1].
How much CO2 is produced by natural gas?
When natural gas is burned for energy, it produces fewer air pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) than when coal or petroleum products are burned to produce the same amount of energy. Natural gas emits about 117 pounds of CO2 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), compared to more than 200 pounds per MMBtu from coal and more than 160 pounds per MMBtu from distillate fuel oil. Natural gas’s clean-burning attributes have contributed to greater natural gas use in the United States for electricity generation and as a transportation fuel for fleet cars.
Is natural gas a carbon dioxide producer?
When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are burned, gases such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are released into the atmosphere. These gases exist naturally in the Earth’s atmosphere to aid in the retention of heat; however, experts believe that burning fossil fuels is producing an increase in these gases, which is causing global warming and other negative environmental repercussions.
While natural gas burning produces carbon dioxide, it produces 30 percent less than oil and 45 percent less than coal, and unlike coal and oil, natural gas does not form ash particles, which contribute to air pollution. Though it has a smaller impact on global warming per unit than other greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide is by far the most prevalent greenhouse gas in our atmosphere, and lowering carbon dioxide emissions has been a major focus of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the process by which natural gas emits CO2 into the atmosphere?
Natural gas is promoted as a clean energy source, however the reality differs significantly. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is extremely polluting.
Climate change
Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned, increasing CO2 levels, trapping heat, and contributing to global climate change.
- Despite the fact that natural gas burns cleaner than coal and liquid petroleum, it nevertheless releases a significant quantity of carbon into the atmosphere in the form of CO2 and methane.
- During the combustion process, which is utilized to generate power, CO2 is released.
- During the extraction and transportation of natural gas, huge amounts of methane are released. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 87 times more potent than CO2 over the course of a 20-year span (1).
- Global methane emissions have risen considerably since 2002, according to studies. This is largely attributable to an increase in natural gas extraction in the United States. Leaked methane cancels out any CO2 reductions achieved by switching from coal to natural gas (1,2).
Air pollution
Another consequence of fossil fuel consumption is air pollution. Air pollution has a more regional influence than carbon dioxide and can have disastrous consequences for local communities and ecosystems.
- Pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released into the atmosphere when natural gas leaks at extraction sites. Ground-level ozone, often known as smog, is formed when VOCs such as trimethylbenzenes, xylenes, and aliphatic hydrocarbons combine. Smog can have a variety of respiratory and cardiovascular effects, and it is especially hazardous to the elderly, children, and asthmatics (3,4).
- Workers and adjacent residents are exposed to diesel fumes from the operation of vehicles and machinery, as well as gas leaks on drill sites. People who reside in places where there is a lot of oil and gas production are more likely to get chronic illnesses and cancer (5).
Water pollution
Water contamination, like air pollution, is a more localized consequence of fossil fuel consumption. Water is generally contaminated during the extraction process or when waste materials are handled. Water contamination can have serious consequences for both human health and the environment.
- Fracking, commonly known as hydraulic fracturing, is a method of extracting natural gas from wells. Fracking is a risky procedure for several reasons:
- Fracking can utilize between 1.5 and 15.8 million gallons of water per well, depending on location and well type (6).
- These wells’ wastewater is frequently disposed of by injecting it far down into Class II injection wells. These wells have the potential to create earthquakes in the surrounding area, according to evidence. This not only endangers people and structures, but it also raises the risk of wastewater poisoning of groundwater (7,8)
- Additives in fracking fluid can contaminate groundwater due to accidents or poorly constructed wells (9). These additives may contain toxic substances like benzene and lead that are harmful to humans (9,10).
- The components of fracking fluid are not needed to be disclosed by extraction businesses. Many components are classified as “trade secrets” and are never disclosed to regulatory authorities (10).
- Natural radioactive elements frequently rise to the surface, where they might clog wastewater systems. Maintenance employees may be exposed to greater than typical quantities of radiation as a result of this (11).
(1) EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 23 Aug. 2016. “Overview of Greenhouse Gases.” EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 23 Aug. 2016.
(2) A. J. Turner, D. J. Jacob, J. Benmergui, S. C. Wofsy, J. D. Maasakkers, A. Butz, O. Hasekamp, and S. C. Biraud, A. J. Turner, D. J. Jacob, J. Benmergui, S. C. Wofsy, J. D. Maasakkers, A. Butz, O. Hasekamp, and S. C. “Satellite Data and Surface Observations Show a Significant Increase in US Methane Emissions Over the Last Decade.” 2218-224 in Geophysical Research Letters 43.5 (2016).
(3) If you’re looking for a “EPA.gov. Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 23 Aug. 2016. Health Effects of Ozone Pollution. EPA.gov. Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 23 Aug. 2016.
(4) “Air Pollution’s Health Effects.” CalEPA.gov. Air Resources Board, California Environmental Protection Agency. Web. 23 Aug. 2016.
Lisa Mckenzie, Roxana Z. Witter, Lee S. Newman, and John L. Adgate. (5) Mckenzie, Lisa M., Roxana Z. Witter, Lee S. Newman, and John L. Adgate. “Assessment of the danger of air pollution from the development of unconventional natural gas resources to human health.” Environmental Science is the study of the entire environment (2012)
“Methodology for analyzing volumes of water and proppant injection, as well as water generation linked with the development of continuous petroleum accumulations,” by S.S. Haines. 1117-18, USGS, U.S. Geological Survey, 2015.
W. L. Ellsworth, W. L. Ellsworth, W. L. Ellsworth, W. L. Ellsworth, W. L. Ellsworth, W. L. Ellsworth, W. L. Ellsworth, W. L. Ellsworth, W. L. Ellsworth
(nine) “U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Minimizing and Managing Potential Impacts of Injection-Induced Seismicity from Class II Disposal Wells: Practical Approaches, EPA.gov (2015)
EPA.gov has a report titled “Assessment of the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas on Drinking Water Resources.” Environmental Protection Agency of the United States (2015)
“Chemicals Used in Hydraulic Fracturing,” no. ten. Committee on Energy and Commerce, United States House of Representatives (2011)
(11) “TENORM: Wastes from Oil and Gas Production.” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA.gov, 23 August 2016.
Is natural gas environmentally friendly?
Natural gas is a fossil fuel, although it is more efficient and cleaner than other traditional fuels.
According to the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas, natural gas creates less pollution and greenhouse emissions than its rivals. Natural gas, for example, emits 45 percent less CO2 than coal, 30 percent less than oil, and 15 percent less than wood when burned. It creates heat, water vapor, and carbon dioxide upon combustion.
Natural gas is both affordable and plentiful, with Alberta producing 67 percent of Canada’s natural gas, according to the province’s energy ministry. Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel and is considered by many to be a critical ingredient as the world transitions to a cleaner future. It isn’t as clean as wind or solar electricity, but it is the cleanest fossil fuel.
The majority of natural gas utilized in the United States is produced domestically, according to the US Energy Information Administration.
Natural gas-powered appliances, cars, and power plants, according to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), are extremely efficient. Natural gas is a cleaner energy choice because of its great efficiency.
The LNG Facts, Canada’s Natural Gas, and CAPP websites all have more information on natural gas.
What are the negative effects of natural gas on the environment?
Every extraction of fossil fuels is harmful to the environment and increases our economic footprint. So, if you’re wondering, “The answer is yes, natural gas is worse for the environment than solar power. However, if we inquire, “Is natural gas the most environmentally benign fossil fuel? The answer is yes.
Fracking, which uses a lot of water from local water reservoirs and pollutes streams, is the most serious concern from natural gas extraction. Furthermore, this process emits methane into the atmosphere. While carbon dioxide emissions are low, natural gas combustion also emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas that seeps into the atmosphere in large quantities.
Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide are all released when natural gas is burned (SO2). It’s also hazardous if it’s not transported or extracted properly. If natural gas is not transported properly, it can result in an explosion. Natural gas has a storage problem: its volume necessitates larger storage facilities, which are more expensive to operate.
The fact that it is not renewable is a significant disadvantage. According to Worldometers, natural gas reserves are only available for 52 years. If you never want to run out of energy, you must consider alternative energy sources to natural gas.
However, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) claims that natural gas has a larger and more geographically distributed resource base than oil, making it a more reliable source of energy.
Is CO2 produced when gas is burned?
In a nutshell, gasoline is made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Carbon dioxide is produced when carbon (C) from the fuel reacts with oxygen (O2) from the air during combustion (CO2). The extra weight is due to the oxygen.
Where do the majority of CO2 emissions originate?
Fossil fuel consumption accounts for the majority of CO2 emissions in the primary energy consuming sectors: commercial, industrial, residential, transportation, and electric power generation. Despite the fact that the industrial sector consumed the most energy in 2020 (both direct primary energy usage and electricity purchases from the electric power sector), the transportation sector generated more CO2 due to its near-complete reliance on petroleum fuels.
Electric power sector emissions can be apportioned to each energy end-use industry based on their share of total yearly electric power retail electricity sales. Even after apportioning these electric emissions to each sector, the transportation sector accounted for the most CO2 emissions from end-use energy in the United States in 2020.
Is natural gas a factor in global warming?
Natural gas production in the United States has expanded dramatically as a result of technological advancements, keeping prices historically low and encouraging many electric utilities and industrial enterprises to move from coal to natural gas. Policies, to a lesser extent, have influenced the shift to natural gas. Because natural gas emits half as much carbon dioxide as coal or a third as much as petroleum, the switch to natural gas has accounted for much of the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the US electric sector in recent years. Emissions have also been reduced as a result of renewable energy policies. As of 2019, natural gas accounts for 38 percent of all electricity generation in the United States, making it the country’s largest energy source.
Natural gas can be used to reduce emissions even more by:
- Natural gas is being used to replace diesel and gasoline in buses and heavy-duty trucks.
- In industry, natural gas is being used in more efficient combined heat and power systems.
- Continued replacement of coal generation by natural gas combined-cycle turbines and fuel cells in the United States and other coal-heavy countries, where zero-emission sources (e.g., renewables, nuclear) cannot meet the full generation capacity required.
- Combining natural gas-fired facilities with renewable energy sources, such as solar, as peak-use or backup plants to smooth out intermittent generation.
- Blending hydrogen (particularly hydrogen produced from low-carbon sources) with natural gas in pipelines minimizes downstream air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions since hydrogen burns cleaner.
- Using steam methane reforming and carbon capture technology to produce “blue hydrogen” from natural gas, which is in line with 2050 climate goals.
Natural gas generation, on the other hand, has flaws. In 2018, natural gas burning accounted for a third of all carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector in the United States. Furthermore, methane leaks from natural gas extraction and transportation affect global climate change. Over a 100-year period, methane (the principal component of natural gas) has a global warming potential 21 times greater than carbon dioxide, despite the fact that methane lasts considerably less time in the atmosphere (about a dozen years) than carbon dioxide (many decades).
To fully achieve natural gas’s potential climatic advantages, technologies and regulations are required to:
- Reduce methane leaks, venting, and flaring, the main component of natural gas, which has a short-term but significant greenhouse gas impact. Methane leaks are difficult to accurately account for; the federal government estimates a 1.4 percent leakage rate, but other publications, such as those from Colorado State University and the Environmental Defense Fund, use figures as high as 2.3 and 3.7 percent, respectively. Regardless, methane leaks can raise rates and negate much of the environmental benefits of moving from coal to natural gas. For reasons of safety, economics, or operational expediency, natural gas producers also purposefully release methane by “venting” or “flaring.” Because it emits greenhouse gases directly into the atmosphere, state and federal rules limit the amount of venting and flaring that can be done. Sensible policy and technology solutions can aid in properly measuring and reducing methane leaks during production, transmission, and distribution.
- Capture carbon dioxide emissions from natural gas combustion. Carbon capture systems have the potential to reduce emissions from natural gas and coal-fired power plants dramatically. These technologies are already in use in the industrial sector, but they are only now making their way into the energy sector. NET Power’s Allam Cycle technology, which is being evaluated on a 50-megawatt-thermal scale near Houston, could generate electricity from natural gas with near-zero CO2 and nitrogen oxide emissions, as well as eliminate the need for water cooling.
