Natural Gas

Natural Gas

Natural gas is a fossil fuel found naturally as a hydrocarbon gas mixture in oil wells. Its main component is methane but it may also contain varying amounts of other higher alkanes (a group of elements). Gases like carbon dioxide, helium, nitrogen, and hydrogen sulphide are also found in natural gas in small percentages.

Why is Natural Gas important as fossil fuel?

• Natural gas is considered important as this fossil fuel can easily be transported through pipes.
• It is stored as CNG which is used for several purposes and is also used as a starting material for manufacturing many chemicals and fertilizers.
• Natural Gas does not cause pollution and has a high calorific value.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is the natural gas stored under high pressure.

Why is CNG useful?

CNG is used as:

• Fuel to generate power, Cleaner fuel for transport vehicles (less polluting than petrol and diesel)
• Fuel in homes and industries can be supplied through pipes.
• CNG pipeline network already exists in Vadodara in Gujarat, some parts of Delhi and some other places.

Why is CNG considered a cleaner fuel?

Natural gas is considered a better fuel than coal and petroleum because it is cleaner. This means that it results in less amount of pollution than the other fossil fuels. Natural gas emits 50% less carbon dioxide, as compared to Sulphur and nitrogen oxides in the air. 

However, it is not the best solution as there are better sources of energy present nowadays like solar energy. In India, vast reserves of natural gas are found in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tripura, and the River Delta of Krishna and Godavari.