Optus Energy LLC

How natural gas is making the world's energy better

Published on : 11-29-2022
Natural gas is being replaced more and more by coal and other fossil fuels in the energy industry. This is because it is better for the environment, cleaner, and cheaper. In this way, it makes the energy system better all over the world. You should also know a few things about natural gas and its importance in the energy business.
Even though there are many benefits to using shale gas as a future energy source, there are also some things to consider. It is essential to think about how getting shale gas could affect the environment.
One of the most important things that affect how much it costs to get shale gas is the technology used. Getting more gas from shale can be done better and more efficiently. It can also help reduce the adverse effects that making gas has on the environment.
The recovery factor is a way to figure out how much free gas and gas has been absorbed in a shale formation. It depends on the minerals in the shale. Another thing to consider is how much water is needed for hydraulic fracturing.
Shale gas could make it easier for countries to switch to clean energy sources. But more than this might be needed to keep up with the world's growing energy needs. Adding more fossil fuels would be hard and expensive to do.
The tight gas market will likely grow because more people want cheap fuel. From 2020 to 2027, the demand for compressed gas is expected to grow at a rate of 5.02% per year.
The  market is driven by lower costs to get the oil out of the ground, the need for fuels that burn cleaner, and the rising demand for energy to run cars and trucks. Also, tight gas production is expected to rise with the help of new technologies.
Shale gas is now made in the U.S. more than anywhere else. The U.S. has natural gas pipelines all over the country and an extensive service industry. The government has let gas prices be set by the market and given tax breaks to encourage the development of tight gas.
At any given time, the U.S. has more than 2,000 rigs working. Now, gas is being made from the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania, and another shale gas formation is doing the same in Texas.
Currently, the United States uses the most natural gas of any country in the world. As the U.S. power industry goes through a change that has never happened before, it has significant effects on the rest of the world.
In 2011, the United States power sector used about 230 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas. This was almost a third of all the gas used in the U.S. In 2011, nearly two-thirds of all combined cycle gas came from just 18 states.
The U.S. power sector is part of the global gas market, but about 95% of the country's electricity is made from coal. The shale gas revolution changed the power industry in the United States. Natural gas prices have dropped to all-time lows because of this. Because of this, power is now being made from gas instead of coal.
During the transition to a low-carbon economy, a big chunk of the world's fossil fuel supply will likely become "stranded assets." This will significantly affect the real economy and could cause a lot of money to be lost. The impact of stranded assets on the economy can be as much as a trillion dollars.
Assets that can't earn a return are called "stranded assets." This could be because prices were lower than expected or because of a policy change. According to a study by Gregor Semieniuk of PERI, about US$1 trillion of fossil fuel assets worldwide is likely to become "stranded."
The study looks at four stages of stranded assets and figures out how much money is lost at each location. The first stage comprises international net transfers to entities based in the OECD. These groups have a right to the money made from production assets worldwide.
Climate scientists are increasingly worried about the massive growth of the natural gas industry. The energy industry worldwide plans to spend $1.3 trillion to build infrastructure, mainly in North America. But these projects would significantly affect the climate more than all coal-fired power plants combined.
Oil and gas production poses significant risks to the environment. Large oil spills can be nasty for the ecosystem of the ocean. They can also hurt people and animals. Every year in the U.S., there are thousands of oil spills.
In addition to changing the climate, oil and gas dirty the air. There are also significant safety risks with oil transportation.
People often talk about natural gas as a clean alternative to coal. But methane, a part of natural gas, significantly affects the climate. Studies show that methane is 36 times more likely to warm the planet than CO2 in the first 100 years and 87 times more likely to do so after that.

Natural Gas is Taking Risks in the Energy Sector

Published on: 10-13-2022
Natural gas may serve as a baseload power source to deliver steady, predictable electricity to assist the firming capacity of renewable energies. Additionally, it may deliver the electricity required for cooling and cooking. Gas has conventional applications but can also generate biogas. This article will examine how gas can assist in supplying the world's anticipated energy demands.
Fantastic industrial locations and specific food processing procedures are heated by natural gas. Additionally, it may be used to refine petroleum and power automobiles. Around the world, more than 5 million automobiles are running on natural gas. Therefore, natural gas is an excellent option for your energy demands, whether you're heating your house or preparing meals.
Methanogens are little microbes that dwell in decaying debris close to the Earth's surface and can create natural gas. These organisms consume this substance, which they then decompose into biogenic methane. Most of the gas is released into the atmosphere via a process known as methanogenesis. Still, new methods are being developed to extract biogenic methane and use it as fuel.
The baseload is the lowest level of demand in the electrical system. It is the level needed to carry out necessary operations and offer services. As a result, stable energy sources are needed. But the demand for power changes during the day and with the seasons. In this scenario, coal and natural gas must be used, among other resources, to provide the baseload demand. These times represent intermediate loads, whereas peak loads are times of greater demand.
Baseload electricity may be produced by utilizing renewable energy sources more often. However, the location and size impact the generation and accessibility of renewable energy sources. The unit prices of renewable energy sources will fall as their availability increases. This is because research and development initiatives will concentrate on enhancing power generation effectiveness and the materials used to construct renewable energy systems.
A backup supply is essential as renewable electricity rises and natural gas becomes affordable. The effects of rising natural gas usage on firming capacity, or the ability to account for erratic projections, are examined in this paper.
Natural gas is already used in transportation and is used more frequently to generate electricity. Compared to other fossil fuels, it offers many benefits, like accessibility, affordability, and cleanliness.
Biogas is a renewable energy source that doesn't involve exploiting fossil fuels. It is produced by the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, which is produced when organic matter decomposes. Biogas is a perfect fuel source since it can capture up to 20–30 times more heat than CO2. It may also be used as fuel for automobiles. Various sources, such as landfills and industrial waste, produce biogas.
Electricity generated from biogas may be utilized for heating and cooking. It is excellent for tasks requiring both heat and electricity and may also be used to power boilers. Additionally, biomass-generated power can be utilized locally or exported to the grid for use elsewhere.
From solar to wind energy, natural gas may support a variety of business strategies in the energy sector. Gas prices are low, which will support solar energy in developing Asia. Gas prices will be reduced by increased LNG supply and flexible LNG pricing arrangements. Third, natural gas may be a clean and inexpensive alternative to coal power generation and renewable energy.
While not all businesses will diversify similarly, several energy corporations are investing significantly in new technologies. For instance, some collaborate with regional communities to install microgrids, enabling regions to create more independent energy projects. Another illustration is Shell's purchase of First Utility, which provides broadband contracts, boiler repair, and other services in addition to 100% green electricity.

Natural gas's Principal Uses

Published on : 09-16-2022

Natural gas is a flexible energy source that may be used for many different things. Currently, it is most frequently utilized to create electricity, although it can also be used to feed equipment that consume natural gas. It serves as a heating source and can be crushed or liquefied for various uses. The annual usage of natural gas in New York is projected to be 600 million cubic feet. This article will include some of the most popular uses for natural gas in residences and businesses.

As a component in the creation of methanol, natural gas serves as one of its most  significant uses. Methanol is produced from natural gas using the steam reforming process and has a wide range of industrial applications. In this procedure, the gas is exposed to a catalyst, which causes oxidation to occur. Methanol, formaldehyde, and acetic acid are created during conversion. Another typical application for natural gas is as an ingredient in cleaner-burning gasoline, or MTBE.

In the manufacturing industry, natural gas is used extensively. Many other products, such as fertilizer, insecticides, polymers, and chemicals, are made using natural gas. For instance, the plastic components of the spreader and the operator's clothing, as well as the fertilizer that is being applied in the image on the left, were likely produced using natural gas. Making bricks and cement also uses natural gas as a heat source. In addition, it is employed in the manufacturing of numerous medications. Finally, numerous goods are also baked and dried using natural gas.

Today, natural gas has a plethora of uses. Natural gas can be up to 68% less expensive than electricity, according to the US Department of Energy. It is also a very effective fuel for residential and commercial buildings. Many residential appliances, including clothes dryers and outdoor lights, as well as heating and cooking systems require natural gas. It is frequently utilized in commercial settings in addition to residential ones.

Additionally, ships and trucks that transport commodities domestically and internationally utilize natural gas. For instance, BC Ferries just debuted new, cleaner LNG vessels. Many transportation firms power their fleets with natural gas, and Calgary Transit started using natural gas buses in 2013. The fuel is now being used by an increasing number of other companies, which is fantastic for the environment.

Manufacturing is one of the most significant applications for natural gas. It drives a number of industrial devices, such as heaters, air purifiers, and conveyor belts in production lines. An estimated 35 percent of all industrial activity in the US uses natural gas. More natural gas is consumed by businesses that process and manufacture food than by any other sector. Natural gas is the primary fuel for these businesses in the United States. About half of the natural gas consumed in the US is a result of these businesses.

Enhancing building efficiency is one of the most effective strategies to cut back on natural gas usage. In the next 50 years, it is predicted that a well-thought-out and implemented program for increased building performance may prevent the use of 234 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. This is equivalent to a huge city's worth of natural gas. Saving money and the environment can both be accomplished through this. The most economical strategy to reduce natural gas use is to do this.

In the past, lighting was produced virtually solely by natural gas. However, the Bunsen burner, developed by Robert Bunsen in 1885, opened up a wide range of opportunities for the utilization of natural gas. Natural gas is now used for a variety of appliances, including oven ranges, water heaters, and more. Additionally, it is utilized in factories, processing centers, and boilers that produce energy.

Pipelines are used most frequently to transfer natural gas. It can also be compressed into LNG, a form of natural gas that can be transported anywhere in the world. Several power facilities have liquefied natural gas on hand for backup power production. Natural gas production in the United States has recently assisted the nation in turning into a net exporter of LNG.

How Natural Gas is Increasing Energy Efficiency Worldwide


Published On:- 08 - 26 - 2022

Natural gas is an excellent fuel option for power plants and transportation systems since it burns cleanly. Compared to coal and petroleum, it produces less carbon dioxide and other pollutants per unit of energy. Natural gas also has a higher energy efficiency than coal. For instance, a gas-fired power station can be up to 60% efficient, whereas a coal-burning power plant can only be 33% efficient. However, recent coverage of natural gas in the mainstream media reads like a roadmap for the fossil fuel business. The business has successfully advertised the fuel as clean, inexpensive, and environmentally beneficial. But the reality is that natural gas is not as environmentally friendly as suggested. Natural gas, which has a lower carbon footprint than coal and other fossil fuels, has experienced an increase in demand globally in recent years. For instance, the government of Singapore has been aggressively encouraging more use of natural gas. As a result, the nation's use of natural gas has multiplied nine times over the past ten years. The decline in nuclear power usage after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster is correlated with the rise in demand.


Natural gas production is rising, which promotes macroeconomic indicators and raises energy efficiency in many parts of the world. But substantial infrastructure investments are needed to increase its utilization. But the advantages are apparent. Less harmful to the environment are more efficient energy sources. The availability of contemporary energy in emerging nations can be ensured by increasing the use of natural gas as a transition fuel. The gas sector is dedicated to lessening its impact on the environment. Methane emissions provide an additional push even though it already targets carbon emissions. However, reducing its venting, flaring, and fugitive emissions would support its position. These externalities may need to be managed for natural gas to play a significant role in a low-carbon future. An economical, practical, and eco-friendly energy source is natural gas. It provides energy to homes and companies worldwide, enabling people to save money and enhance their quality of life. In addition to being safer to burn than other fuels, natural gas is also cleaner than coal or oil. Because it fuels nearby eateries and industry, it also contributes to the prosperity of local businesses. Natural gas is an excellent choice for the future of energy because of its low costs and rising availability.


Natural gas is becoming more crucial as the world's population expands and switches to more environmentally friendly energy sources. Because of its variable manufacturing capabilities, it can adapt to changes in electricity demand and the availability of renewable energy sources. In addition, it is a cleaner fossil fuel than coal. Currently, the majority of Thailand's electricity is produced by natural gas. As a result, the nation can now incorporate utility-scale solar electricity onto an already-existing, flexible power grid. Because its demand and supply change depending on the time of day and the weather, elastic natural gas energy is a crucial part of an energy system. As a result, the flexibility needed by various energy systems will differ in terms of how much energy must be stored for how long. The requirement for adaptability can also range from seconds, as with unexpected spikes in television usage, to months, as with managing seasonal variations. New methods and procedures for tackling this problem have been developed due to the growth of market liberalization and the evolution of demand and supply trends.


Advanced control methods, axial fuel staging for gas turbines, and emissions catalysts that cut carbon monoxide emissions during turndown are some examples of flexibility enhancements. Additionally, these technologies can enhance heat preservation during sporadic shutdowns. Additionally, natural gas's elastic energy can be connected to sporadic renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Gas resources can then be used more affordably and when they are most required. As gas infrastructure grows, nations worldwide can use gas to meet their energy needs. For example, when Japan had to shut down its nuclear reactors following the Fukushima catastrophe in 2011, gas was utilized to make up for the lost supply; this fuel can assist nations in coping with disruptions in the energy supply. Gas is also significantly less expensive than coal. Compared to the coal-fired plant, a contemporary gas-fired power station can be erected for less than $1100 per kilowatt. Long-term air pollution and climate change expenses are considered, and this cost disparity makes gas-fired power more viable.


Gas will always be an energy source, but its definition will alter as new technologies are developed. For instance, renewable gases from biological materials will combine with methane from subsurface reserves. Additionally, carbon capture can be used to make hydrogen from gas. This new energy source might compete with gas in the long run while serving as a short-term supplement. There are several ways to obtain natural gas. Drilling vertically from the Earth's surface is one of the most used techniques. Although it offers several benefits, this approach has a limited amount of gas available for storing liquefied natural gas, as an illustration. Additionally, it can be kept in places without pipelines. Gas use is rising, and Europe has adopted a plan to cut emissions and fight global warming. Governments must consider alternate fuel sources even though renewable energy is a fantastic place to start. Heavy fuel oil and diesel can be substituted with gas as a low-carbon fuel. But gas has disadvantages as well.

Natural Gas is Making Bold Moves in Energy

Published on: 08/03/22

As the world looks to reduce carbon emissions and support a low carbon transition, it is logical to look at how natural gas can help. This fuel has already made a difference by lowering grid emissions and power prices. Its continued growth will help support the low carbon transition in other ways. Listed below are some ways natural gas can help the transition. They may surprise you. And remember that natural gas is cheap and abundant.

Natural gas plays a crucial role in supporting the low carbon transition, both as a source of energy and as a means to insulate against environmental pressure. Its production is more environmentally friendly than oil products, and it can be an attractive substitute for coal power generation. Oil and gas companies have a long history of supporting the low carbon transition, but new developments have been made.

The net zero-emission goals of the Paris Agreement and the United States are ambitious and direction-setting. However, they do not yet include the world's biggest emitters, including China and India. These countries already have sector-level environmental and energy policies in place to support a low carbon transition, making them important drivers of global climate policy. But there are still challenges. Developing countries have a long way to go before they meet these goals.

The oil and gas industry is adjusting its business models to support the low-carbon transition. It is also evaluating the effects of prospective government climate policy changes on the existing business model. In particular, investors must weigh the impacts of these new policies on oil and gas companies' technology and strategic pathways. For example, the International Energy Agency's Sustainable Development Scenario shows that oil and gas will continue to play a significant role in the low-carbon economy. This means that the oil and gas industry needs to position itself as an ally for this transformation.

While there are many challenges facing oil and gas companies, they can benefit from the policy changes by demonstrating their resilience and repositioning themselves as an energy company. By making such a statement, oil and gas companies are signaling their adaptability in the low carbon transition to investors and to ensure their commercial viability. This will also help them attract sustaining capital. But the real challenge is figuring out how to manage the challenges and opportunities that these policies pose.

With a rise in natural gas production, the U.S. is poised to reduce its carbon emissions and lower power prices. Recent technological advances have helped lower U.S. natural gas prices. These technological advances have also spurred industrial companies and electric utilities to use natural gas as a fuel source. Furthermore, the use of natural gas produces half the carbon dioxide emissions of coal. As a result, increased use of natural gas has already led to a decrease in grid emissions and power prices.

Since natural gas produces less carbon than coal, it has become a popular fuel for electricity generation and a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Because of its clean emissions, natural gas has lowered power prices and cut grid emissions. As more natural gas is used, grid emissions will decrease and power prices will drop across all sectors of the economy. In turn, this will lower gas bills and save gas consumers money.

Recent record-high gas production has resulted in lower power prices and reduced emissions from coal-fired plants. Nevertheless, many policymakers worry about the safety of the gas cushion, noting that leaks in the supply chain could increase the greenhouse gas emissions. Still, researchers say that gas's carbon emissions are lower than coal-fired power plants. A national clean electricity standard can help to reduce the nation's carbon emissions by up to 40%. The U.S. gas sector is a key driver of the global economy and will continue to do so despite its high price.

Meanwhile, increasing natural gas use is increasing worldwide. The use of natural gas has already outpaced the use of coal. However, the use of natural gas has the potential to increase carbon emissions in the future. Furthermore, it is a clean alternative to coal that serves a purpose for grid emissions and electricity prices. So, how does natural gas fit into the future grid? Fortunately, there is a good solution.