Natural Gas: Properties, Extraction, Market & Climate Impact | Quizlet

What is natural gas primarily composed of?

Methane (CH₄), along with smaller amounts of natural gas liquids (NGLs) such as ethane, propane, and butane.

What are the main uses of natural gas?

Electricity production, heating, industrial processes, and as feedstock for fertilizers, chemicals, and hydrogen production.

What is a unique property of natural gas?

It is highly combustible, colorless, odorless, non-toxic, and non-corrosive.

Why is a scent added to natural gas?

Because it is odorless, a scent (usually mercaptan) is added to detect leaks.

What is the significance of natural gas as a 'bridge fuel'?

It has a high energy density and emits less CO₂ than oil or coal when burned.

Where is natural gas typically found?

In underground reservoirs, classified into conventional and unconventional supplies.

What are conventional gas reservoirs?

Well-permeable rock layers like sandstone and limestone where gas flows easily and can be extracted using traditional drilling techniques.

What are unconventional gas reservoirs?

Less permeable rock formations that require advanced extraction techniques, such as shale gas, tight gas, and coalbed methane.

What is the difference between dry and wet natural gas?

Dry gas contains over 90% methane with little NGLs, while wet gas contains significant amounts of NGLs, making it more economically valuable.

What distinguishes sweet gas from sour gas?

Sweet gas contains little to no hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), while sour gas contains more than 4 ppm H₂S and often CO₂.

What is associated gas?

Gas that occurs alongside oil production.

What is unassociated gas?

Gas found in reservoirs where gas is the primary resource.

What major event in the 1960s impacted the global gas industry?

The discovery and development of the Groningen field in 1959 and significant gas finds in the North Sea in 1965.

Which countries have the largest proven natural gas reserves?

Russia, Iran, and Qatar.

What percentage of natural gas is used in the industrial sector?

40%.

What are the three main segments of the natural gas supply chain?

Upstream (exploration and production), Midstream (transport and storage), and Downstream (distribution and end use).

What is the focus of upstream activities in natural gas?

Exploration and production of economically recoverable gas reserves.

What is the difference between onshore and offshore production?

Onshore production occurs on land and is generally cheaper, while offshore production takes place under the sea and requires specialized equipment.

What processes are involved in the processing and purification of natural gas?

Dehydration, gas treatment (removing H₂S and CO₂), NGL separation, and condensate removal.

What is the primary goal of natural gas processing?

To ensure the gas meets quality standards for pipeline transport and end use.

What is the role of midstream in the natural gas supply chain?

Transporting, storing, and managing LNG systems.

What challenges does the natural gas infrastructure face?

Requires significant investment, has a long lifespan, and is subject to strict regulation.

What is hydraulic fracturing (fracking)?

An advanced extraction technique used to access gas from unconventional reservoirs.

What is the impact of natural gas on energy choices?

Infrastructure built today can influence future energy decisions, leading to concerns about lock-in.

What is the primary method of transporting natural gas?

Through pipelines.

What are the two types of pipelines used for gas transport?

High-pressure transmission pipelines and low-pressure distribution pipelines.

What is LNG?

Liquefied Natural Gas, created by cooling gas to -162°C to reduce its volume by a factor of 600.

What are the main components of the LNG system?

Liquefaction, transport by LNG ship, storage in cryogenic tanks, regasification, and distribution via pipelines.

Which countries are the largest LNG exporters projected for 2025?

United States, Australia, Qatar, Russia, and Malaysia.

What is the purpose of gas storage?

To manage seasonal demand fluctuations, ensuring supply during high-demand periods.

What are some methods of gas storage?

Underground storage in depleted gas fields, salt caverns, aquifers, and above-ground LNG tanks.

In which sectors is natural gas used?

Residential, industrial, electricity generation, and transportation.

What is the role of gas-fired power plants?

They are flexible and efficient, capable of quickly ramping up or down to support renewable energy sources.

What dual role does natural gas play in energy systems?

It serves as both a primary energy source and a transition fuel.

Why is natural gas considered a transition fuel?

It has lower CO₂ emissions compared to coal and can support variable renewable energy.

What is the environmental concern associated with methane?

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, significantly more powerful than CO₂ over short timeframes.

What are the main sources of methane leaks?

Production, processing, transport, storage, and LNG handling.

How does natural gas compare to coal in terms of emissions?

Natural gas emits about half the CO₂ of coal during electricity generation.

What economic factors influence natural gas pricing?

Regional markets, seasonal demand, LNG trade, geopolitical events, and oil indexation.

What is the impact of LNG globalization on the gas market?

It shifts the market towards spot markets, shorter contracts, and greater price transparency.

What is carbon lock-in?

A situation where gas infrastructure investment leads to continued use of fossil fuels despite climate goals.

What geopolitical issues surround natural gas?

Pipeline politics, LNG as a geopolitical tool, energy security, and strategic competition among nations.

What factors will determine the future of natural gas?

Methane regulation, CO₂ pricing, growth of renewable energy, hydrogen development, and geopolitical stability.

What is the significance of gas infrastructure longevity?

Gas infrastructure can last 30-50 years, influencing long-term energy policy and investment decisions.

How does natural gas support renewable energy?

Gas plants can quickly adjust output to balance the variability of wind and solar energy.

What are the health impacts of natural gas compared to other fuels?

Natural gas causes less air pollution than coal and oil but is still more polluting than renewable energy.

What is the role of natural gas in the energy transition?

It can continue to play a role if emissions are reduced and infrastructure is adapted for a low-carbon economy.