Nat Gas Now: Know Your Power
- Nat Gas Now: Know Your Power
- Monday, Apr 18
From your coffee maker to your iPod, Americans are constantly consuming energy. But how often do we stop to think about where our energy comes from? The answer: It comes from many places. In this edition of Nat Gas Now, we take a look at where we get our power today, how much we will need in the near future and how we will get it.
Today, the primary sources of our nation's electricity are natural gas and coal, making up 23% and 45% of the overall power mix respectively. The remainder comes from other sources like wind, solar and nuclear power. Yet, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, we will need to produce 28 percent more energy by 2035.
Where will we get this? We will undoubtedly need all forms of energy to power our nation's growing needs. But an expanded and significant role can and should be played by clean, abundant and American natural gas.
The good news? Natural gas stands ready to serve. Natural gas combined cycle turbines operate at less than half of their full capacity today. So they can play a growing role, starting now-providing affordable power, domestic energy and lower emissions.
In addition to its clean-air benefits, natural gas power plants make strong economic sense. Faster and cheaper construction, greater efficiency and lower construction and operational costs are among the compelling reasons many communities are shifting to greater use of natural gas for electricity. Of course, the jobs that come with greater use of this domestic energy source help, too. Natural gas supports about 2.8 million American jobs.
As an abundant, domestic resource, natural gas is a unique, essential and growing part of our nation's energy future. So, next time you reach for the light switch, think about where your energy comes from and how you can help improve our economy and environment by encouraging greater use of natural gas in your community.
