Despite its recent volatility, natural gas remains an essential component of our nation’s energy portfolio. At present, it accounts for more than half of all U.S. fossil fuel consumption; however, more than 65% – if not more – can be substituted with other forms of energy such as solar and wind power.
Despite the current downturn in the industry, many analysts remain optimistic about its future prospects. This is because America has become a global powerhouse in the sector due to its abundance of shale gas deposits – which have transformed the nation into a formidable competitor within the international arena.
In this piece, we will elucidate what makes shale gas so advantageous over other energy sources and why it continues to gain prominence in today’s marketplace.
What is Natural Gas?
If you have ever turned on a stovetop or oven, chances are that it utilizes some sort of fuel: whether it be gas, electricity or oil-based substances like propane and butane.
Natural gas is comprised primarily of methane; a substance present in abundance within the atmosphere. However; as an odorless gas, it can be detected by burning – which is why it’s so frequently utilized for illuminating purposes! In addition though – when combusted into power – this non-toxic resource generates over 50% more emission-free energy than oil based options such as diesel or gasoline.
Top Advantages of Natural Gas Over Other Energy Sources
If you’re searching for the most straightforward, cost-effective and sustainable way to provide energy to your home or business – natural gas is an excellent choice.
This clean-burning fuel provides a wealth of benefits that can’t be found in any other energy source, making it an ideal option over traditional power plants as well as renewable resources like wind and solar power.
Let’s take a look at some of the top advantages of natural gas over its competitors:
1. Burns cleanly and safely
There’s nothing dangerous about burning natural gas. In fact, because of its methane content it produces about half the carbon emissions of coal or oil.
Despite its gentle nature, you can be assured that your installation of an appliance or device utilizing natural gas won’t result in any harmful emissions; they won’t have any after-effects either – a boon for those who are concerned about the environment!
2. Produces fewer emissions than other fossil fuels
Another benefit of utilizing gas as an energy resource is its relative lack of impact on the environment. Natural gas represents an important step in reducing harmful greenhouse gasses (GHG).
On average, natural gas emits about half the CO2 compared to coal and petroleum systems. This remarkable reduction in emissions has made natural gas a more appealing choice for power generation companies seeking to lower their carbon footprint.
Some providers may offer financial incentives or other support mechanisms that encourage you to use less-polluting energy sources like renewables when they’re available at all. Utilizing such resources can have a positive impact on both your bottom line and the planet!
3. Helps reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide
If you are concerned about the atmospheric influences that emanate from energy technologies, consider investing in a gas boiler or other equipment. As an efficient and versatile alternative heating method, it can contribute towards mitigating these emissions:
Sulfur dioxide is another byproduct of fossil-based energy production; one which has been linked to respiratory ailments as well as acidification of the atmosphere. By installing a more efficient heating system capable of consuming natural gas instead of propane or oil in your home – especially if this is located in proximity to larger communities – its combustion process can help eliminate this pollutant while sustaining a steady temperature inside!
4. Is a reliable source of energy
Unlike variable-speed engines and electric motors, natural gas combustion engines can provide users with consistent power output over time. This makes it an ideal choice for factories and large facilities that require a dependable resource for powering those operations.
Moreover, because the fuel is nonstop – even during short-term outages – the reliability of your energy supply cannot be undermined by brief interruptions in service. In addition to being a dependable energy source for businesses across the country, natural gas offers a steady stream of consistent power which is perfect for industry!
5. Is abundant and cost-effective
In the past few years, our country has witnessed an abundance of natural gas – and yet it remains the primary energy source for many communities across the nation. Moreover, this fuel source offers some distinct advantages over its counterparts:
Its abundant supply means that you can rely on natural gas as your primary energy source without worrying about running out or incurring exorbitant prices. Furthermore, because this alternative is fairly inexpensive compared to other forms of electricity generation like solar PV or wind turbines – you won’t have to fork out a fortune in order to enjoy power from these systems either!
With all these benefits under one roof, natural gas seems like an obvious choice for any business owner seeking to save money and reduce emissions at the same time.
6. Can be used for heating
Gasoline is an essential component of any vehicle engine; however, there are some preparations that must be made before its use for achieving optimum efficiency. This can include modifications like exhaust modifications or lambda controllers – which essentially alters the timing and firing order of the cylinders in relation to each other.
With low-cost furnaces available, you could capitalize on gas heating systems. Not only will they provide warmth without emitting harmful fumes but they’re also highly efficient!
Despite the fact that natural gas is not only an excellent cooking fuel, but also a fundamental ingredient in creating other culinary delights – from savory pastas to mouth-watering roasts and desserts – it is considered to be one of the fastest-growing energy sources on earth.
At present, more than 3 billion people worldwide utilize natural gas as their primary cooking source. This startling statistic demonstrates the tremendous potential for expansion; yet it also illustrates why the sector remains highly vulnerable to fluctuations in demand.
To provide your kitchen with reliable access to natural gas, contact a provider such as Jones Energy Services. From simple hookups to state-of-the-art equipment, we can help ensure that you have what it takes to succeed!
7. Easier to transport than other energy sources
If you desire to effectively utilize natural gas for your energy needs, it is essential to have an abundance of accessible infrastructure. Its portability makes it an ideal choice for industries that require the fuel in remote areas; moreover, pipelines can be employed to aid transport as well! This makes local power stations and distributorships convenient places for consumers to obtain their supplies – expediting deliveries across even vast regions!
This is of paramount importance when considering demand patterns. Americans tend to move frequently, so they often find themselves having to transport gas from distant locations across the country.
8. Flexible and easy to store
Natural gas can be stored in a variety of ways, from above-ground tanks and portable tanks to converted buildings or caves. Storage is an essential component of any energy storage system; without it, your resource will only serve as a temporary solution for power needs – which is why people are turning to LNG as a better option than investing in batteries!
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is perfect for both storing and using up on a daily basis. This means that if you’re planning on running appliances when the sun isn’t shining or even if there’s not enough sunlight during the day, then LNG could prove to be beneficial!
With the flexibility of LNG, it can be employed as an energy source immediately upon arrival at the distribution center. It can also sit idle until needed at some point in the future – with an abundance of zero-carbon energy readily available at all times!
9. Fast deployment time for new projects
Typically, the permitting process for infrastructure projects takes a long time – often even as long as three to five years. However, with advancements in technology such as drones and robots, it is possible to expedite this process substantially. Once that’s taken care of – all you need is some digging!
Not only can the deployment time be cut significantly, but also the cost associated with these endeavors can be minimized quite considerably. For instance; when compared to an oil rig or a nuclear power plant project, constructing natural gas infrastructure should prove to be more cost-effective.
Conclusion
As you contemplate investing in natural gas, it’s essential to comprehend that this commodity is not one-dimensional. While it may seem as if there is little variation between suppliers’ offers, the truth is that each firm has its own distinct characteristics – some of which are more advantageous than others.
To gain a deeper understanding of the pros and cons associated with particular providers, explore their websites or contact them for a consultation.
