Natural gas is a key component of the global energy mix, providing heat and electricity to millions of people around the world. It is a versatile and abundant source of energy that can be used in a wide range of applications, from heating homes and powering vehicles to generating electricity and producing industrial products.

As a relatively clean-burning fossil fuel, natural gas has become an increasingly important part of efforts to transition to a lower-carbon energy system. With its lower carbon emissions compared to other fossil fuels like coal and oil, natural gas is often seen as a bridge to a cleaner energy future. It is news to many that gas is also a key part of the strategy against reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating global warming.

However, the production and use of natural gas also pose environmental and social challenges, including methane leaks during extraction and transportation, water contamination, pollution, and disruption of local communities and ecosystems.

This article will explore the many facets of natural gas, from its formation and extraction to its role in the energy transition and the challenges and opportunities associated with its production and use. We will examine the environmental and social impacts of natural gas, as well as the economic and geopolitical implications of this important energy source. Finally, we will consider the future of natural gas in a rapidly changing global energy landscape.

Why is natural gas called natural?

Natural gas is an abundant and versatile fossil fuel that has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history. Its name is derived from its origins: natural gas is formed over millions of years from the decomposition of organic matter, such as plants and animals, that have been buried deep beneath the Earth’s surface. This process results in the creation of hydrocarbons, which are compounds composed of hydrogen and carbon. Natural gas is primarily made up of methane, which is a colorless and odorless gas that is lighter than air.

Natural gas is called “natural” to distinguish it from other types of gas that are not naturally occurring. For example, propane and butane are gases that can be found naturally in small quantities but are usually produced through refining processes. Natural gas is often found alongside oil deposits and can be extracted through drilling or fracking, a process that involves injecting water, sand, and chemicals into shale rock formations to release trapped gas.

Natural gas has many advantages as a source of energy, including its relatively low carbon emissions compared to coal and oil. It is also highly efficient, easy to transport and store, and can be used for a variety of purposes, including electricity generation, heating, cooking, and transportation. With the increasing demand for energy and the need to transition to cleaner sources, natural gas is expected to play a significant role in the energy mix of the future. However, it is important to consider the potential environmental and social impacts of natural gas extraction and use, and to explore ways to mitigate these risks.

How does natural gas form?

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that forms deep beneath the earth’s surface. It is primarily composed of methane, but can also contain other hydrocarbons, such as ethane, propane, and butane. Natural gas forms from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago, which are buried under layers of sedimentary rock.

The formation of natural gas begins with the deposition of organic material, such as dead plants and animals, on the ocean floor or in swamps and wetlands. Over time, the organic material is buried under layers of sediment and subjected to high temperatures and pressures. This process, known as diagenesis, causes the organic material to transform into a waxy substance called kerogen.

As the sediment continues to accumulate and the temperature and pressure increase, the kerogen begins to break down into smaller hydrocarbon molecules, including natural gas. This process, known as catagenesis, can take millions of years to complete. The natural gas migrates through the porous rock until it becomes trapped in reservoirs, where it can be extracted for use as a fuel source.

The location and characteristics of natural gas reservoirs can vary widely. Some reservoirs are located offshore, while others are found onshore. The gas can be stored in a variety of rock formations, including sandstone, shale, and limestone. The quality of the gas can also vary depending on the reservoir, with some containing higher concentrations of impurities such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

Overall, the formation of natural gas is a complex process that requires specific geological conditions and takes millions of years to occur. Understanding the formation and characteristics of natural gas is crucial for the development and management of this important energy resource.

Where is natural gas found?

Natural gas can be found in a variety of geological formations across the world, including both onshore and offshore locations. It is commonly associated with petroleum deposits and can be found in the same underground rock formations.

In the UK, the most significant natural gas reserves are located in the North Sea, particularly in the areas known as the East Shetland Basin, the Central Graben, and the Southern Gas Basin. These reserves were discovered in the 1960s and 1970s and have been a key source of energy for the UK ever since.

Outside of the North Sea, the UK also has some smaller onshore reserves, such as the gas fields in the East Midlands and the Weald Basin. However, these are much less significant in terms of overall production.

Globally, some of the largest natural gas reserves are located in the Middle East, particularly in countries like Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Russia and the United States are also major producers in the gas industry, with large reserves located in the Siberian and Appalachian regions, respectively.

While natural gas reserves are unevenly distributed around the world, advances in technology have made it possible to extract gas from previously inaccessible sources, such as shale formations. As a result, natural gas is becoming an increasingly important energy source for many countries around the world.

What happens when natural gas is found?

When natural gas is found, it is extracted from the ground through a process called drilling. The first step in this process is to locate the natural gas reservoir. This is done using seismic imaging and other geophysical techniques to identify potential areas of natural gas deposits.

Once a potential site is identified, a well is drilled down into the earth until it reaches the natural gas reservoir. The natural gas is then brought to the surface using various methods, including hydraulic fracturing or “fracking,” which involves injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into the well to release the gas.

After the natural gas is extracted from the well, it is transported via pipeline to processing plants where impurities such as water, carbon dioxide, and sulfur are removed. The processed natural gas is then transported via pipeline to distribution points, such as power plants or residential homes.

The discovery of natural gas can have significant economic and geopolitical implications, as countries with large reserves of natural gas often become major energy exporters, while countries with little or no natural gas reserves become dependent on importing the fuel. Additionally, the development and production of natural gas can have environmental consequences, particularly concerning the extraction process, which can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.