Uses of Natural Gas

Power Generation
Power Generators are increasingly using natural gas to provide energy for their power plants. In general, gas fuelled power plants are more efficiently operated and emit less pollution than other fossil fuel plants. Technological improvements in design and operation of combined cycle gas turbines and co-generation processes are the key driver of natural gas. A natural gas co-generation plant produces power and heat that is useful for industry as well as commercial users. This co-generation also reduces pollution emission considerably.

Industrial
There are myriad of ways for industrial applications of natural gas. These include feedstock, heating, cooling and industrial cooking. Natural gas is also used for waste treatment, incineration, metals preheating, drying and dehumidification, glass melting, food processing, fueling industrial boilers and pharmaceutical products. In plastics, pharmaceutical and recycling industries, natural gas desiccant systems are increasingly popular as it helps in the manufacturing or drying of the environment, allowing industrial users to regulate more closely the moisture in the air, leading to a more consistent and high-quality product.

Transportation – Natural Gas Vehicles
Technology advancements have improved over the years to allow for a proliferation of natural gas vehicles such as taxi and public buses. With the stringent fuel emissions guidelines set in place to control environmental pollution, natural gas being the cleanest burning fuel is the most ideal option to meet emissions standards.

Natural gas can be used as a motor vehicle fuel in two ways: as compressed natural gas (CNG) which is the most common form and as liquefied natural gas (LNG). Natural gas vehicles fleet accounts for about two million vehicles worldwide (according to the International Natural Gas Vehicles Association). Concerns about air quality in most countries are increasing the interest in using natural gas as a fuel source.

Commercial
The commercial sector includes public and private enterprises, like the office buildings, educational institutions, hotels, healthcare facilities and government buildings that mainly use natural gas for space conditioning, refrigeration, water heating, cooling, cooking or heating.

Residential
The commonly known uses for natural gas in the home are natural gas heating, air conditioning and cooking. Domestic appliances are increasingly improved to use natural gas due to its efficiency, cost effectiveness and relatively low maintenance cost.