There is no denying the fact that the world is using too much oil. If we continue at the same rate, the worlds supply of oil will be depleted in only a matter of years. Not only are we running out of this highly valuable natural resource, but burning oil releases emissions that are damaging to the atmosphere and help support the harmful effects of global warming. Natural gas, however, is primarily methane (CH4) and compressed natural gas (CNG) creates for an environmentally friendly substitute that is nontoxic, noncarcinogenic and noncorrosive (chk.com). By utilizing the United States supply of natural gas, not only are we severing ties with foreign oil corporations who exploit our need for gasoline and other forms of oil-based fuels, but we are helping to reduce the effect of global warming on the Earth (compared to those produced by coal and petroleum).
Natural Gas Hydraulic Fracturing (hydrofracking) is a “proven technological advancement which allows producers to safely recover natural gas from deep shale formation [Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock composed of mud that is a mix of clay and other minerals]” (hydraulicfracturing.com).
The process is much simpler than it seems. Essentially, a combination of water, sand, and chemical agents are pumped at high pressures into a horizontal well drilled up to 10,000 feet beneath the surface (i never said it was easy!). This pressure creates cracks (or fissures) in the shale and the sand in the pressurized mixture fills holes in the cracks to keep the passage open. Natural gas is then free to flow from the cracks up towards the surface where it is collected and piped to market. The water used to crack the shale is collected, recycled, and re-used.
This process is almost completely natural, with 98% of the fracturing ingredients being simple water and sand (the other 2% include chemicals commonly found in swimming pools, household cleaners, and cosmetics). However, this is not a finite solution. People living in areas where Hydraulic Fracturing sites are established are worried about their supply of water. In order to create the pressure needed to crack the shale, millions of gallons of water are used. While most of the water is re-collected and treated to once again be used, water shortages are still a concern.
If the would can learn how to utilize other forms of fuel including natural gas, we could substantially reduce the negative effects associated with pollution and global warming. Currently, The United States uses about 17 million barrels of oil every day. Petroleum accounts for nearly 40% of our country’s energy and Coal is used to produce almost 60% of our nations electrical power. These are extraordinary numbers, considering natural gas accounts for only 23% of The United States energy usage and renewable energy only acounts for 7%(earlywarn.blogspot.com). If we could eliminate the use or oil and/or coal, the environment would be much better off.
While this is an educational post to inform you on the concept of how Natural Gas Hydraulic Fracturing works, it is also a plea for the Government to adopt new laws that would prevent the use of such harmful fuels such as coal.
The benefits of using natural gas are great:
1) It’s clean…
Natural gas is the cleanest of all fossil fuels and is simply the best energy choice for the environment — inside and outside your home.
2) It’s domestic…
99% of the gas we use comes from North America — 84% from the U.S.* Increased use of natural gas can reduce our dependence on oil imported from the Middle East.
3) It’s economical…
Natural gas appliances are virtually maintenance-free and that means additional savings.
4) It’s efficient…
When the entire cycle of producing, processing, transporting and using energy is considered, natural gas is delivered to you with a “total energy efficiency” of about 90%. Moreover, gas appliances and equipment are extremely efficient.
5) It’s multi-purpose…
It can heat your entire home, make your hot water, dry your clothes and help you cook your meals — in the oven or on the barbecue grill. New residential uses range from fireplaces and air conditioners to microturbines and fuel cells.
6) It’s dependable…
You never have to worry about weather, delivery schedules or running out.
In 1999, 70 percent of newly constructed single-family homes used natural gas for space heating, compared with 47 percent in 1986*.
* Source: U.S. Natural Gas Markets: Recent Trends and Prospects for the Future — May 2001
Report by Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy
While using natural gas is not a finite solution (it still produces greenhouse gases), it still is a much better option for protecting the enviornment than burning coal or petroleum. Until we find a way to better way to harness renewable and neuclear energy, using natural gas is one way we can begin to make a change.
http://www.hydraulicfracturing.com/Pages/information.aspx
http://www.chk.com/naturalgas/pages/basics.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shale
http://www.umich.edu/~envst320/fossil.html
http://earlywarn.blogspot.com/2010/06/comparing-us-and-european-fossil-fuel.html
http://www.oru.com/energyandsafety/naturalgas/benefits.html
