Cheaper heat, lower prices for electricity and cleaner air all could be possible for residents of Fairbanks, AK, and rural areas with greater reliance on natural gas, according to a newly released report.
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Contrary to some previous reports, natural gas offers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions advantages compared with coal-fired power generation, according to a recent study by Worldwatch Institute and Deutsche Bank Climate Change Advisors. Earlier this year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency updated its methodology for estimating methane (CH4) emissions from natural gas systems, but gas-fired generation still releases 47% less GHGs than coal from source to use, the researchers said. A controversial study by Cornell University earlier this year reported that CH4 leaks were a particular concern for gas produced from shale formations using hydraulic fracturing (see Shale Daily, April 13). But even counting higher estimated emissions of CH4 from shale gas production activities, gas-fired power generation still beats coal-fired power by a wide margin when it comes to overall GHG emissions, according to a subsequent study published by the gas-friendly American Clean Skies Foundation (see Shale Daily, April 21). IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates in August said GHG emissions from shale gas production likely are “significantly overstated” (see Shale Daily, Aug. 25). Another recent study by the National Center for Atmospheric Research found that burning natural gas emits “far less” carbon dioxide than coal but even so, more reliance on gas won’t significantly slow climate change.
Shippers Blame Columbia for System’s Congestion
It wasn’t the overload of Marcellus Shale supplies, but poor planning by Columbia Gas Transmission LLC that “may have created or contributed” to the storage constraints on its system in northern Ohio, Indicated Shippers said in a protest to the pipeline request for a tariff increase.
Allure of Solar-Natural Gas Integration Uncertain
While the role of natural gas-fired generation seems pretty clear when it comes to increased reliance on wind energy for large-scale electricity supplies, the same cannot be said for utility-scale solar projects, despite current bullish pronouncements from the government and renewable energy sectors.
FERC’s Norris: Many U.S. Gas Pipes Eligible for AARP
Aging pipeline infrastructure will need to be replaced and/or expanded to support the nation’s transition to greater reliance on natural gas, particularly in electric generation, FERC Commissioner John Norris said last Tuesday.
Mexico’s U.S. Gas Expected to Climb
The United States can count on selling a growing sliver of its natural gas production to Mexico as the country’s reliance on gas-fired power generation grows, domestic oil production overshadows that of gas, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers spurn the country’s terminals for more lucrative markets, Barclays Capital analysts said last week.
Mexico to Need More U.S. Gas, Analysts Say
The United States can count on selling a growing sliver of its natural gas production to Mexico as the country’s reliance on gas-fired power generation grows, domestic oil production overshadows that of gas, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers spurn the country’s terminals for more lucrative markets, Barclays Capital analysts said Tuesday.
FERC’s Norris: Much of U.S. Pipelines Eligible for AARP
Aging pipeline infrastructure will need to be replaced and/or upgraded to support the nation’s transition to heavier reliance on natural gas, FERC Commissioner John Norris said Tuesday.
LADWP to Double Gas Generation, Drop Coal by 2030
The nation’s largest municipal utility, the $4 billion Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), plans to nearly double its reliance on natural gas for electricity generation while phasing out coal over the next two decades, according to a presentation last Saturday by new General Manager Ron Nichols.
Board Recommends New Brunswick Expand NatGas Use
The New Brunswick Energy Commission (NBEC) has recommended that the province increase its reliance on natural gas as it transitions away from the use of other fossil fuels for heating, electricity and transportation.