Natural Gas in the News

I was listening to NPR this morning and they did a story called Rediscovering Natural Gas By Hitting Rock Bottom. The story focused on new successes in getting gas out of shale rock. Furthermore, The Potential Gas Committee, loosely affiliated with the Colorado School of Mines, reported in June that natural gas reserves in the United States are actually 35 percent higher than believed just two years ago, and some geologists say even that estimate is too conservative. (Part 2 of the story is tomorrow if you want to tune in!)

Looks like the hubbub is coming from a new study just released by the American Gas Foundation...

Washington, DC- Technological advancements in end use applications will position natural gas to remain a key component in an energy efficient, low-carbon future in the United States, according to a study released today by the American Gas Foundation (AGF). By capitalizing on research, development and demonstration (RD&D) opportunities for natural gas end uses in the residential, commercial, industrial and transportation sectors, the natural gas industry can meet today’s and future energy demands cleanly, efficiently and cost-effectively.

Prepared by Neil Leslie of the Gas Technology Institute, a not-for-profit research and development organization, the study suggests that additional significant reductions in carbon emissions can be achieved by integrating natural gas with renewable energy systems such as solar thermal and biomethane.

By implementing the proposed RD&D programs outlined in the report, says AGF, the United States would reduce energy use by more than five quads and CO2 emissions by nearly 440 million metric tons by 2030, thereby saving customers $4 - $9 billion annually, while significantly improving the environment.

The executive summary and the complete “Natural Gas End Use: A Vision for Today and the Future" study are available on the AGF web site at www.gasfoundation.org. For a hard copy, please call Kelly Batte at (202) 824-7026.