Natural gas will fuel future of U.S. energy needs
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Updating policies will help realize the full potential of a the new abundance and availability of domestic natural gas is opening up opportunities for consumers, businesses and industries to expand their use of this fuel source, as detailed by a study recently released from IHS CERA and the American Gas Foundation (AGF). However, in some cases, the study finds that policies need to be revised to clear the way for all Americans to experience the energy efficiency, environmental and affordability benefits.
The study, “Fueling the Future with Natural Gas: Bringing it Home,” is the successor to the original 2001 “Fueling the Future” study and outlines how natural gas has altered the U.S. energy landscape over the past decade, benefiting consumers and businesses. The study connects the abundance of natural gas in the United States with a domestic market that can be expanded beyond its current usage to provide new growth prospects for all sectors of the U.S. economy, in addition to traditional residential, commercial, industrial, power and transportation uses.
“Today, natural gas is plentiful and accessible, and there are many potential benefits for residential and business customers beyond today’s traditional applications,” said Chris Johns, president of Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and chairman of AGF.
“In order to make these future opportunities a reality for our customers and the nation as a whole, we must update policies, invest in safe and reliable infrastructure, and educate our customers about the many potential new benefits.”
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The study calls for a strong working relationship between American policymakers, communities, natural gas utilities, and customers to facilitate the benefits of this fuel source.
As detailed in the study, technological advancements are taking place in the areas of natural gas home appliance technology, CNG and LNG vehicles and even industrial applications. In some regions, oil-based heating is quickly being replaced with natural gas furnaces, several gas-intensive industries are expanding their U.S. operations, and small-scale natural gas power micro-grids are becoming realities.
“Many policies surrounding natural gas were developed during a time when natural gas was perceived to be scarce,” according to Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the American Gas Association and board member of AGF. “All Americans stand to gain if we make investments and update our policies to realize the full potential of a natural gas-fueled future.”
Natural gas is transported via the United States’ 2.4 million miles of natural gas pipelines directly into homes and businesses, dramatically reducing emissions and energy lost during transportation. This capability results in natural gas appliances having 92 percent full-fuel-cycle energy efficiency, compared to the electric system’s 32 percent efficiency, reducing utility bills and life-cycle costs.
“The increased and strategic use of American natural gas across all sectors will help achieve national goals of reducing our costs for energy, environmental protection and energy security,” McCurdy said.
