Natural Gas – History, Extraction, Impacts, and Future

1. Brief History of Natural Gas

• Ancient Uses:

  • "Eternal flames" used in religious ceremonies (e.g., ancient Greece, China).

  • Limited early adoption due to storage/transport challenges.

• Modern Development:

  • 1800s: Used for lighting ("gas lamps") and heating.

  • WWII: Pipeline networks expanded (e.g., "Big Inch" and "Little Big Inch" pipelines repurposed for NG).

  • 1950s–1970s: LNG technology emerged, enabling global trade (Qatar became a major exporter).

  • 1990s–Present: Shale gas boom (fracking) made the U.S. a top producer.

2. Finding, Extracting, Using, and Transporting Natural Gas

• Formation:

  • Created alongside oil in underground reservoirs (methane-rich organic material).

• Extraction:

  • Conventional Drilling: From gas reservoirs.

  • Fracking: Hydraulic fracturing extracts shale gas.

• Transport & Storage:

  • Pipelines: High-pressure systems (dominant method).

  • LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas): Cooled to -260°F for ship transport.

  • CNG (Compressed Natural Gas): Used for vehicles.

• Uses:

  • Electricity generation (combined-cycle plants: 45–60% efficiency).

  • Heating, cooking, industrial feedstock.

3. Technologies to Reduce Negative Impacts

• Methane Leak Detection: Infrared cameras, satellites.

• Flaring Reduction: Capturing excess gas instead of burning it.

• Carbon Capture: Experimental use in power plants.

• LNG Innovations: Safer tanker designs, lower-energy liquefaction.

4. Advantages & Disadvantages

5. Future Trends

• Transition Fuel: Bridges gap between coal/oil and renewables.

• Growing LNG Demand: Asia’s energy needs drive global trade.

• Methane Regulations: Stricter rules on leaks/flaring.

• Hydrogen Blend: Potential to mix NG with hydrogen for cleaner energy.