Natural gas cleanest, least harmful fossil fuel

TNN | Dec 31, 2012, 01.04 PM IST
NEW DELHI: It's, by far, among the most important source of energy that helps reduce pollution and maintain a clean and healthy environment. Domestically abundant, natural gas is perceived as a secure source of energy, besides offering a host of environmental benefits over other energy sources such as fossil fuels.

As compared to counterparts by the Environmental Protection Agency a little time back, natural gas has emerged the cleanest of them all. Comprising primarily methane, natural gas releases mostly carbon dioxide and water vapour posing, arguably, the least risk to the environment. On the other hand, coal and oil that comprise complex molecules with higher carbon ratio and higher nitrogen and sulfur contents tend to release higher levels of harmful emissions. The emissions include a higher ratio of carbon emissions, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2).

Pertinently, pollutants emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels in the United States have led to the development of several environmental problems. Concurrently, natural gas, emitting fewer harmful chemicals into the atmosphere can greatly help to lesson some environmental issues.

The surge in greenhouse gases is expected to hike temperatures around the world increasing in several disastrous, environmental effects. Global warming, as the phenomenon is widely known is a reality that stares humans in the face. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in its 'Fourth Assessment Report' released in 2007, had predicted that during the 21st century, global average temperatures are expected to rise by between 2.0 and 11.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Nations all over the world are unified in their focus to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The principle greenhouse gases include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxides and engineered chemicals such as cholorofluorocarbons. Levels of the gases have been increasing annually owing to the widespread burning of fossil fuels and the surge in human population.

It was two decades back that the Natural Gas industry joined with Environment Protection Authority in launching the Natural Gas STAR Program to help reduce methane emissions. The STAR program went on to document dramatic reductions to methane emissions, since then. For starters, EPA STAR data shows a reduction in methane emissions each year for 16 years at a stretch.

The increased use of increased use of natural gas in the place of other fossil fuels hugely lessened the emission of greenhouse gases in the United States. Ground level ozone known to create smog is formed by a chemical reaction of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and heat from sunlight.

Natural gas, on its part, hardly contributes to smog formation as it exudes low levels of nitrogen oxides and almost negligible particulate matter. Nitrogen Oxide is produced by electric utilities, motor vehicles and industrial plants and a shift towards natural gas in the electric generation sector, in use in gas vehicles, or increased industrial natural gas use will surely help in lowering the production of nitrogen oxide particularly in cities where the emissions are the highest. The move is plugged to ensure clearer, healthier air around urban centers.

Acid rain, a huge environmental hazard in Eastern United States is known to damage crops, forests, wildlife populations and trigger a host of ailments in humans. Caused by a reaction of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides with water vapor and other chemicals in the presence of sunlight, Acid Rain comprises a bouquet of acidic compounds. Coal-fired power plants are the main source of acid rain-producing pollutants.

However in India, low pH levels have been reported from New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu even Andaman Islands setting up the stage for acid rains.

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