There is a belief that natural gas is a very clean and safe source of energy compared to coal or crude oil. This is not quite true. Countries, such as UK and India, still have huge untapped reserves of coal.
With advances in carbon capture technology, it may be more economical to use coal rather than natural gas.
Why? Because natural gas has methane as its main component. Even though natural gas emits half as much carbon dioxide as coal, and almost a third less than petrol, and even though methane stays in the atmosphere for 12 years whereas carbon dioxide stays for centuries, methane is 25 times more deadly than carbon dioxide.
Methane emissions in US in 2014 by source were: natural gas: 33%; livestock digestion 22%; landfill 20%; and other 25%.
Most other countries monitor carbon dioxide but not methane. It is important that all countries and major oil companies monitor methane emissions from natural gas leaks when gas and/or crude oil comes out of ground. Normally 2-2.5% natural gas leaks in the atmosphere at time of production.
This tiny amount of natural gas became a source of 33% methane in atmosphere in US in 2014. (Source: The Economist, 23-29 July).
Nagindas Khajuria
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