Natural Gas and the Environment: Emissions and Impact

Looking for a clean source of energy has always been a problem, thus making Coselle Technology for CNG transport (compressed natural gas) a great alternative. Having said that, we all know how damaging crude oil, petroleum and diesel are to the environment – burn them up and you'll get carbon compounds as byproducts, as well as soot, ash and dirt. Natural gas, though considered a fossil fuel, is a lot better for the environment that other fuels. Why and how? Let's take a look at some facts and figures.

Greenhouse gases

Let's not deny it: natural gas, like petroleum, oil and diesel, emit greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Compared to the other fuels however, it contains LESSER amounts of these compounds and it lacks others as well, including sulfur dioxide. In reducing the amount of air pollutants that could help in lessening the effects of global warming, natural gas is part of the solution, not the problem. Bear in mind that natural gas emits 30-60% less pollutants than other fuels. How will the environment benefit from this?

• Carbon emissions, particularly monoxide and dioxide trap the heat that the sun dishes out. Aside from which, sulfur dioxide, also a greenhouse contributes to this as well. Remember, planet Venus has an atmosphere that contains 96% carbon – this is the reason why its reputation as the hottest planet in the Solar System is well-deserved. 

• Aside from being hazardous to the environment, the gases are also detrimental to human health. Inhalation over a long period of time can cause numerous respiratory complications, including lung cancer and bronchitis. 

Due to it being cleaner, the use of this type of fuel will lessen the occurrences of smog, acid rain and other environmental disasters caused by these gases.

Cleaner and more efficient energy

Natural gas power plants and the 12 million vehicles worldwide that run it are more efficient than other facilities and vehicles that run on it. This is so because during the conversion and distribution process, less power and energy is lost compared to other fuel sources. Having said that, it is as energy efficient – and probably more – than other fuel sources. This in turn gives natural gas the potential to be the main energy source – it just needs more lobbying.

Cleanliness, maintenance and usefulness

Let's say that you are using a couple of logs in the fireplace in order to heat up your home. Though the smell of burning wood could give you that cozy feel, it presents a number of hygienic concerns – you have to clean up the soot, ash and the emissions that come with it. A chimney may even be necessary! If you use gas logs, there will be no soot or ashes to deal with, due to the fact that natural gas burns cleaner. This also applies in cars, ships, vehicles and other engines. You don't have to worry about spending too much for maintenance and you'll be helping out the environment in small and simple ways as well!