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The advantages and disadvantages of natural gas

Le natural gas is one of the energies most used in France for cooking, heating or for your sanitary equipment. Composed of methane, it is formed from the weathering of organic matter found underground or within the seabed. The point on the advantages, but also the disadvantages of this fossil energy for your installations.

Natural gas, what advantages?

The first advantage is economic. Indeed, the natural gas is one of the least expensive energies on the market. Hence the interest of many French people in this fossil fuel. Indeed, its operating costs are lower than other energies (electricity, propane, fuel oil, etc.).

Heating your home with natural gas will ensure considerable energy savings. Besides, the natural gas price per kWh is defined according to the tariff zone of your home. It is also set according to the category of consumption and the cost at the regulated tariff.

In addition to the savings made in terms of energy expenditure, the natural gas also has the advantage of being practical. Indeed, it connects directly to your house via the pipes. Thanks to this system, collection, processing, packaging and delivery of the final product to the customers become unnecessary.

Another attraction of natural gas is that it allows to preserve the environment as well as the cleaner breathed air. This means that it emits fewer pollutants into the atmosphere than other types of fossil fuels. For example, in terms of electricity production, it produces up to 60% CO2 less than coal.

Another advantage is that this fossil fuel is suitable for different types of housing. Both for a construction project (new house) and for renovation work, it is an excellent alternative. Moreover, when renovating a home, using natural gas helps to improve its energy performance.

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En outre, le natural gas allows safe use, given its great lightness. During a leak, it quickly evaporates into the atmosphere, thus avoiding the risk of fire.

Natural gas, what are the disadvantages?

The main disadvantage of natural gas is that it is limited, given that it is a fossil fuel. In addition, it is found quite rarely. In fact, this gas is locked up inside deposits of a limited number. According to estimates, the reserves vary between 55 and more than 200 years.

It all depends on the extraction techniques applied. That is to say, the constant advent of new tools and techniques simplifies the exploitation of deposits. Another disadvantage is that most of the natural gas comes from classical geological formations.

The energy extraction process is then facilitated. However, these sources are now difficult to find. Which forces you to use non-classic resources to have a sufficient amount of natural gas.

Also, it is a non-renewable energy source. Which means it's exhaustible. Natural gas reserves allow exploitation until 2070. Beyond this forecast, it will have to be imported.

Besides that, the natural gas emits nitrogen oxide and greenhouse gases even though it is the cleanest of fossil fuels. Adverse environmental impacts can be significant, such as climate change and global warming.

Another problem is that this fossil energy is quite difficult to store and transport. Indeed, it is four times more voluminous than gasoline. Thus, suitable storage spaces are required. This will generate additional costs.

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In addition, the treatment of natural gas is a long process. It takes time and labor to dispose of it properly. This step is mandatory before you can use this fuel in your home or before it is placed on the market.

Natural gas storage

What is the difference between natural gas and biogas?

Le biogas and natural gas are two quite similar energies, essentially composed of methane. Their energy performance is all the more equal. The only difference concerns the mode of extraction. For natural gas, the extraction seems heavy and the energy is said to be fossil.

Thus, in order to obtain it, the destruction of certain natural environments is necessary. After the extraction process, it will be treated in specialized centers. The goal is to remove any presence of sulfur carbon dioxide. A product is then added to make it fragrant in order to detect leaks more easily.

Under the effect of heat and pressure, this fossil fuel nestles inside porous rock formations, thus forming gas pockets. It will then be removed from the deposits before being used.

As to green gas, it is obtained by combustion of organic matter (agri-food waste, animal waste, etc.). The process is called anaerobic digestion. the biogas is another type of so-called renewable gas. The materials used to produce this energy are available in large quantities.

In addition, green gas performs the same role as natural gas. It is perfectly compatible with the gas network you use. It is a low-polluting energy.

Regarding the tariffs of gas suppliers, they are based on the cost per kWh of the Regulated Sales Tariffs (TRV). This concerns both natural gas and biogas. This is the best way to offer relatively attractive prices. Nevertheless, each supplier is free to determine its prices. The ideal is to consult directly the sites of the suppliers.

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How to choose your natural gas supplier?

The best provider of natural gas is not the same for all consumers. The services provided, the type of energy offered, the gas price or the quality of customer service are all important parameters. Regarding the cost per kWh of gas, it varies according to the supplier. It is essential to choose the right price, because it will determine the cost of your consumption.

Another essential criterion relates to the type of offer. This is to determine whether it is an indexed or fixed rate. By choosing an indexed price offer, that is to say with a reduction, the cost will be lower than those regulated.

The choice of supplier is also determined by the constitution of the natural gas or the daily use of your energy. For the latter, it is based on your daily energy expenditure (cooking, heating, etc.).

Also, select your gas supplier based on the quality of customer service. Moreover, for some, green biogas is at 33%. In other words, it is a question of determining if the professional answers your questions correctly or if he is available quickly. Finally, a professional supplier must set their schedules according to your lifestyle.

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1 comment on “The advantages and disadvantages of natural gas”

  1. Hello Christopher,
    When will we stop using the word natural for fossil gas?

    Since man's excessive burning of fossils is changing the climate in threatening ways,
    we must learn to stop writing NATURAL gas and write:
    – FOSSIL gas for extracted methane (from russia, norway, algeria, qatar, united states)
    – RENEWABLE gas for methane produced from renewable plant matter

    Christophe, see if it is possible to modify your article.
    you will help to shed light on the energy behaviors of your readers.

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