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What Are Advantages & Disadvantages of Using Natural Gas As an Energy Source?

Natural gas is a fossil fuel, formed over thousands of years from the remains of plants and animals, that can help generate electricity and create power. The many commercial and residential uses of natural gas include heating, lighting and cooling. Using natural gas as an energy source has several advantages and disadvantages.

  1. Environmental Effects

    • Natural gas produces a lower amount of harmful gases than coal or oil, making it the cleanest-burning fossil fuel. Coal and oil produce more nitrogen and carbon dioxides --- greenhouse gases that add to the the problem of global warming. These fuels also contribute to acid rain, smog and air pollution.

      However, natural gas emits methane, the main cause of global warming, when not burned off completely, and methane can also leak out during transportation.

    Supplies

    • Like coal and oil, natural gas is a nonrenewable fossil fuel, meaning supplies are limited. Renewable energy sources include wind, water, biomass, solar power and geothermal energy. As of January 2011, the United States. was using coal as its primary energy source (47 percent), followed by natural gas, (20 percent), nuclear energy (20 percent) and hydroelectric conventional and other sources (13 percent).

    Cost

    • Coal is the least expensive energy source available as of 2011. In January 2011, the average cost of natural gas was $5.37 per million British thermal units (MBtu), whereas coal cost only $2.23 per MBtu. Natural gas remains a much more inexpensive option than petroleum, which cost $16.49 per MBtu in January 2011 --- an increase in cost of more than 30 percent from a year earlier. Natural gas, oil and coal remain cheaper options than any of the renewable "green" energy sources.

    Safety

    • Fossil fuels like natural gas are found deep within the earth's surface, requiring long pipelines, large tankers and special fuel tanks --- potential safety concerns. Coal and other energy sources contribute to human health concerns, such as respiratory issues, for miners and those living near the mines. Firefighters do not have any known techniques for dealing with liquid natural gas, making it highly dangerous. Natural gas can leak in homes, potentially causing fires or explosions.

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