How It's Used
Natural gas is widely recognized as one of the most versatile and valuable of our North American energy resources - because it can be used in so many important ways.
- A clean generating source for almost a quarter of the nation's electric power
- Clean transportation for our highways
- Efficient heating, water heating and cooking for homes and businesses
- A raw material for fertilizers and a component in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical implants, sports equipment, electronics, plastic toys and paints.
- A heat source for generating process steam used in numerous industrial and commercial applications, including the steel, plastics, automotive and pulp and paper industries as well as schools, hospitals and military bases.
One of the biggest growth areas for natural gas use will come from the increasing demand for electric power to keep pace with expected growth. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 250GW of new generating capacity will be needed between 2008 and 2035 to meet growing energy demands. And because natural gas plants are cleaner, more efficient and cheaper to build than other energy sources, EIA expects natural gas to account for 46% of these capacity additions.
Transportation also is an important area for growth. Natural gas can outperform conventional fuels with a significantly higher octane rating, better fuel efficiency and lower operating costs - all while offering dramatic reductions in emissions.
With abundant supplies and such versatility. Natural gas is a natural choice now for our diverse clean energy needs.
