How is Natural Gas Used?
Natural gas is most commonly used in the residential and commercial sectors for heating purposes. In the United States, nearly 50% of natural gas is used in the residential sector, while commercial buildings account for almost 30%. Industrial users account for the remaining natural gas consumption. In addition to heating, natural gas is also used as a fuel for power generation. Natural gas-fired power plants are cleaner and more efficient than those that burn coal or oil, making them an increasingly popular choice for electricity production. In 2015, natural gas accounted for about 34% of all electricity generated in the United States.
Name Two Regions rich in Natural Gas Resources
Natural gas is a naturally occurring mixture of various hydrocarbons, mainly methane with small quantities of higher alkanes. Natural Gas consists of low quantities of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and helium. It is also known as fossil gas. It is a colorless, odorless gas. Natural gas comes under fossil fuels and is a nonrenewable source of energy. It is formed by the decomposition of organic matter under high pressure and heat over a span of million years. Natural gas is mainly used for heating, cooking, and the generation of electricity. Natural gas is found along with other fossil fuels like petroleum and coal.
When natural gas is burnt it releases less carbon dioxide and other pollutants when compared to other fuels but during the extraction of natural gas a lot of pollutants are released mainly carbon dioxide. To avoid any accidents due to leakage some odorizers are added to the gas which smells like sulfur or raw eggs. Natural gas can be easily found and is available in large quantities but is highly flammable due to its high level of methane.