subject: Virginia Natural Gas Providers Promote Cleaner Energy [print this page] In Virginia today there are nearly 3000 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines servicing the entire state. Because of the work of Virginia natural gas providers, this fuel usually flows seamlessly into homes and businesses, and most of us don't spend a lot of time wondering where it actually originated. We turn on an appliance, and the gas is right there. In an era of climate change and energy use debate, what makes this fuel a good choice?
Like oil, this product comes from the ground and is considered a non-renewable fossil fuel. It is the cleanest burning of all the fossil sources, and often has been considered a by-product of oil drilling. This energy source was created during the same general geological era of extreme organic growth that produced oil, but when compared to other fossil products is much more efficient when burned. It gives off nearly 30% less atmospheric pollutants than a comparable amount of oil, and results in a nearly 45% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions when compared to coal.
Burning and storing of a flammable gas is never without risk, but this resource has proven to be relatively safe. It is still abundant in North America at a time when non-shale oil reserves are running on empty, and a large amount of gas may still be mined. It runs vehicles cleanly and efficiently, and gives off 60-90% less smog-forming pollutants than gasoline-powered cars or trucks. Unlike coal, burning releases no ash, and has overall a high BTU heating value.
There is, however, a downside. This product is, of course, highly flammable, and underground pipeline leaks and explosions have occurred because the pipelines are aging, or have lost structural integrity. This is a problem not only for power plants, but also the residential and business neighborhoods built above those carriers. Leak detection can be difficult, because gas is odorless and colorless unless treated with an additive. Additionally, there have been problems with the ground sinking near wells, and environmental degradation due to extraction practices.
In addition, transmission of gas requires pipelines over land. Expensive and complex systems of feeder lines and treatment plants must be built, often with facilities under ground. This means that maintenance expenses may be high because of the need for constant monitoring of the flow, and to ensure that there is no illegal tapping into the pipelines. Finally, this fuel is very toxic when breathed in concentrated forms, because its main component is methane.
The advantages, however, are great when compared to other energy sources. This is the cleanest burning of the fossil fuels, making it the best current heating choice for most home-builders or buyers. 99% of gas burned in the U. S. Comes from North America, and helps to reduce a reliance on energy imports from unfriendly nations. On a practical consumer note, gas appliances are often trouble-free when compared to electrically powered units. The total energy efficiency from gas well to home is about 90%, far above any other form of fuel currently available to consumers.
Even with the inevitable transition under way from fossil fuels to renewable energy, the United States is still the world's biggest user of this resource. Virginia natural gas providers make sure that there is an uninterrupted flow, providing a comparatively clean source of energy to heat your home, provide hot water, dry the washing, and cook both indoors and out. This fuel is not renewable, and like any finite resource supplies will diminish as it is used. Until there is another source to take its place, however, this fuel will remain one of the main players in the energy field for the foreseeable future.
