Natural gas is one of the most important fossil fuels in the world. A strong effort has been made over the past couple of decades, to get away from using coal and gas for power and heat. The reason is the pollution levels. The circumstances have thrown natural gas into the front runner for replacing other fossil fuels as a main energy source. With that election also comes both pros and cons.
Most of the backers of the natural gas idea can sometimes seem a little short-sided, not seeing the overall picture. It takes a careful consideration of all the details to make a truly informed decision. The following is a short list of some of the pros and cons surrounding natural gas today –
The Pros of Natural Gas
1. An Abundant Supply
One of the biggest pros for natural gas is the abundant supply. However, it is also a finite source, which means having to conserve it if it’s to be used as a viable power source. In the U.S. alone there are more than a trillion barrels in reserve that are yet to be harvested. Other sites are expected to be lying in wait to be discovered.
2. Less Soot
Less soot makes natural gas a very popular option. The byproducts of natural gas are gaseous forms which cause less pollution. It burns much cleaner than diesel or gasoline, releasing 30% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less than coal.
3. Cost Efficient
Another pro for natural gas is its cost efficiency. Engines powered by natural gas are cheaper to run. It is also among the most common of fuels used to heat and cook in homes.
4. Easy to Transport
It is also easy to transport. It can be put onto tankers, ships, and pumped through pipes. It is a lighter form of gas and is great for residential homes. It can be used to make chemicals, hydrogen, fertilizers, and plastics.
The Cons of Natural Gas
1. Release Gases
When you burn natural gas it does release some degree of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and various other carbon compounds into the air. They can contribute to what is known as the ‘greenhouse’ effect.
2. Highly Flammable
Natural gas carries some danger in the fact that it is highly flammable. If a natural gas leak isn’t handled properly, the explosions or fires can be devastating. It is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas which makes leaks very hard to detect.
3. Non-Renewable
It is non-renewable, which means there will come a day when the supply will run out.
4. Pipelines are Expensive
The pipelines needed for pumping natural gas are expensive. It takes a lot of infrastructure to get it to where it needs to go. And it is not so easy to use. Everything but the methane must be extracted, leaving several byproducts like water vapor, sulfur, nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, etc.
Even though the above information is just a ‘short list’ of pros and cons, it gives you some idea of why there is so much controversy. It is hard to balance out these facts and make a decision about whether or not it is truly an energy source for the future.
