Articles tagged with Natural Gas
A new pretreatment technology has been developed that can convert more than 85% of organic material in sewage sludge to biogas, producing 98% more methane than current practice. This efficient process could help communities lower their waste treatment costs while promoting the circular economy.
A new study has found that soil moisture content is the main factor controlling how far and at what concentration natural gas spreads from a leaked pipeline underground. The research team looked at over 300 soil samples and found that methane gas leaking from a pipeline does not spread as far when the soil moisture content increases.
A team of researchers developed a power sector model to analyze pathways to full independence from Russian natural gas imports. The study found that Europe can eliminate reliance on Russian gas by augmenting REPowerEU plans with temporary boosts in coal and recalibrated gas storage.
A new study published in Joule provides energy systems models for quickly eliminating EU and UK dependence on Russian natural gas. Researchers at Binghamton University offer several paths to achieve this goal, which could help mitigate the ongoing crisis.
A new study found that decarbonization efforts in Texas significantly reduce air pollution-related health effects, offsetting the cost of these efforts. However, Black and low-income communities still face higher levels of air pollution and related health effects.
Researchers have developed a method to convert methane into methanol under ambient conditions, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and paving the way for alternative fuels. The process uses photocatalysts and has potential to mitigate climate change by utilizing methane reserves.
A new energy plan developed by researchers at Kyushu University suggests a more sustainable future energy system that includes 61% renewable-based electricity. The plan, which prioritizes solar and wind power, exceeds current projections by 50%, with significant reductions in coal-based generation and nuclear power.
The study highlights the risks of natural gas infrastructure expansion, including underestimated methane emissions and economic climate risks. The researchers propose five measures to avoid these risks, including a timely and consistent natural gas exit.
Researchers have developed a novel process converting methane into liquid methanol at ambient temperature and pressure using visible light. The method uses a continuous flow of methane/oxygen-saturated water over a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) catalyst, achieving 100% selectivity with no by-products.
A new Boston-area study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals that natural gas used in homes contains varying levels of volatile organic chemicals. The research found that even small amounts of hazardous air pollutants could impact indoor air quality and degrade outdoor air quality when gas leaks occur.
King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) researchers have created a new membrane material that separates nitrogen from methane based on their shape difference. This approach reduces purification costs for natural gas by up to 73% compared to existing methods, offering an energy-efficient solution.
A new Imperial analysis found that biogas and biomethane supply chains release more than twice as much methane as previously estimated, with 62% of leaks concentrated in a few 'super-emitters'. The researchers call for better monitoring and fixing of leaks to ensure the continued use of these climate-friendly gases.
Research by Duke University shows the US is still indirectly buying Russian crude through highly globalized supply chains. The analysis highlights three ways to mitigate exposure: Buy American, Made in America, and secure supply chains through renewable energy investments.
Researchers have developed a copper-based metal-organic framework (Cu-MOF) to separate propane and ethane from methane, offering a promising alternative to traditional cryogenic distillation. The Cu-MOF exhibits high adsorption capacity and selectivity for C2-C3 hydrocarbons.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a new class of oriented mixed-matrix metal-organic framework (MMMOF) membrane that selectively removes detrimental gases like H2S and CO2 from natural gas. The membrane demonstrates far better separation efficiency compared to conventional methods.
Researchers have developed a rigorous computer simulation technique to optimize LNG tank design, reducing construction costs while improving safety against catastrophic failures. The new model can be used to mitigate environmental and economic consequences of failure, enabling Australia to store more energy at the right time.
A Colorado State University-led study found greater natural gas leak densities in communities with low-income or majority non-white populations compared to predominantly white neighborhoods. The research highlights the need for improved equity in gas distribution systems to enhance health and safety outcomes.
A recent study from Oregon State University found that Oregonians are more likely to perceive environmental and public health risks than potential financial gains from natural gas export. The study surveyed 500 adults and found that those with higher education, younger adults, women, people of color, and liberal or moderate political v...
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed AquaBOT to measure water quality in mid-sized streams with precision and speed. The lab has also created a safe and effective antiviral coating for N95 masks, allowing for reuse of masks made from various fabrics. Furthermore, the lab has designed a cooking appliance that uses...
A Stanford-led study found that methane leaks in the Permian Basin of New Mexico are several times greater than federal estimates, with over 9% of production being leaked. The researchers used airborne sensors to detect leaks and identified super-emitters responsible for the majority of emissions.
A new study by Rice University engineers suggests that wind and solar projects could eliminate the need for coal in Texas, drastically reducing pollution. The research uses optimization modeling to identify the least-cost combinations of proposed wind and solar projects that can replace coal-fired power generation.
Researchers at Washington State University found a causal link between natural gas flaring and increased hospital visits for respiratory health in North Dakota. The study estimated that a 1% increase in flared natural gas increases the hospitalization rate by 0.73%, highlighting the significant impact of flaring on human health.
A Rice University-led study finds that gas flaring from oil and gas fields in the US contributed to dozens of premature deaths in 2019 due to black carbon particle emissions. The researchers estimated that 26-53 deaths were directly attributable to air quality associated with flares.
A new study by Imperial College London reveals that London is releasing more methane than previously thought, primarily due to natural gas infrastructure leaks. The findings suggest that upgrading leaky pipes could significantly reduce emissions. This research highlights the importance of atmospheric measurements in tracking progress t...
Researchers at CSU are developing a system to recapture and burn crankcase ventilation gas, reducing methane emissions by over 75%. The project partners with Caterpillar to test their engine and design the system, which aims to solve a significant industry problem.
A new Stanford University study reveals that using a 100-year timeframe underestimates methane's importance in achieving Paris Agreement climate goals by up to 87%. The researchers propose using a 24-year timeframe instead, which would ensure emissions of methane are weighted correctly over the time period before temperature thresholds...
A Stanford-led study reveals methane leaking from US homes has a significant climate impact and exposes people to respiratory disease-triggering pollutants. Cooking appliances directly emit formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and nitric oxides, posing health risks.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed a new neutron-based method to detect clogs in underwater pipelines non-destructively. This approach uses prompt gamma neutron activation analysis to measure hydrogen concentration, allowing for the detection of blockages and hydrate formation.
A recent review highlights the devastating impact of permafrost thaw on infrastructure in the Arctic region, with damages ranging from less than 10% to as high as 80%. The region's transport and pipeline networks are particularly vulnerable, with costs projected to exceed 30 billion euros by 2060.
A new catalytic approach directly converts solid biomass into natural gas with a low carbon footprint, achieving nearly complete conversion of various agricultural and forestry materials. This process reduces fossil energy depletion and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 26% and 34%, respectively.
Scientists developed an all-season smart-roof coating that automatically switches between cooling and heating, outperforming commercial cool-roof systems in energy savings. The technology uses vanadium dioxide to regulate its rate of radiative cooling, overcoming the problem of overcooling in winter.
Researchers tracked methane emissions from the region's 10,000 oil and gas wells, finding that they fell by half between 2015 and 2020. Despite this decline, methane leaks remained high, accounting for about six to eight percent of produced natural gas.
MARUM researchers simulate alternative hydrocarbon formation through reduction of acetic acid, proposing a new explanation for unusual isotope patterns. The findings provide insight into the rapid thermal alteration of sedimentary organic matter and its role in the global carbon cycle.
A new study reveals that methane emissions from US cities are 2-10 times higher than recent estimates, with Boston's emissions being six times higher due to pipeline and end-use emitters. The research found that seasonal consumption-based emissions account for 56% of total natural gas emissions in Boston.
Researchers developed a new catalyst with unique atomic-sized rafts that improve the cleaning of emissions from natural gas engines. The catalyst enhances energy efficiency and reduces unburnt methane emissions, making natural gas-powered technology cleaner and more viable.
A new study from Oregon State University found that infants born within 3 kilometers of oil and natural gas drilling facilities in Texas had slightly lower birthweights than those born before drilling began. After accounting for other potential factors, the study found a significant association between living near an active drilling si...
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers suggests that storing both oil and gas on-site at power plants can reduce dependence on gas grids and mitigate fuel shortages. This could reduce costs for electric customers in New England, where gas supply constraints have led to frequent power plant outages.
A new study suggests that cooperative strategies for providing emergency power during long-duration outages can cost up to 40 times less than individual generators. The analysis focused on two hypothetical communities in New Hampshire and found that shared generator costs were significantly lower, making collective options more accessi...
A study by North Carolina State University researchers found that US counties with more socially vulnerable populations have a higher density of natural gas pipelines, putting them at risk for water and air pollution, public health and safety issues. The analysis used a social vulnerability index to assess 3,142 US counties and found a...
A new study found that oil production emits 90% higher methane than the EPA's estimated figures, while natural gas production emissions are 50% higher. The research team developed a method to trace and map total emissions using satellite data to identify areas with discrepancies.
Researchers have discovered a way to convert methane in natural gas into liquid methanol at room temperature using a catalyst material and electricity. This process reduces the need for high heat and pressure, making it a more efficient and affordable method for producing methanol.
Researchers found that curtailment priority on pipeline networks is the likely reason for most correlated failures, while firm contracts can reduce generator outages in certain regions. Switching to firm contracts may prevent fuel shortages at US power plants.
Kathleen Smits, a UTA civil engineering associate professor, has received two grants to investigate leak detection and repair methods for underground pipelines. Her team will create models to understand gas migration speeds and develop methods to measure gas buildup above ground.
The NUS team has devised a method to convert natural gas into a non-explosive solid that can be easily stored and transported. Using a novel additive mixture, the conversion can be completed in just 15 minutes, which is faster than existing standards.
Kathleen Smits' innovative approach links environmental data with gas concentration readings to understand leak severity and migration. The research aims to examine reoccurrence of leaks, urbanization effects, and repaired leaks that continue to vent, providing critical insights for industry and regulators.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have developed a new method to directly convert methane into commercial products, bypassing multiple energy-intensive stages. The breakthrough uses a molybdenum-zeolite catalyst and identifies two potential activation pathways for carbon-hydrogen bonding.
Researchers at West Virginia University are developing a methane mitigator system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas production sites. The goal is to decrease environmental impact and ensure compliance with emerging emissions restrictions, while improving overall system efficiency.
Researchers at UC Berkeley developed a new method to capture carbon dioxide from power plant flue emissions using tetraamine-modified MOFs. The technique showed a six times greater capacity for removing CO2 than current technology and was highly selective, capturing over 90% of the emitted CO2.
Researchers developed tailored polyimide membranes to efficiently separate H2S and CO2 from sour gas. By adjusting the ratio of building blocks, they achieved balanced separation efficiency for both gases.
Researchers at Penn State are developing microwave plasma technology to produce hydrogen and graphene from natural gas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The technology enables rapid heating of gas and can be powered by renewable electricity, making it a promising solution for the hydrogen economy.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology have discovered a new microbe, Ethanoperedens thermophilum, that eats ethane and grows faster than previously known microbes. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism of ethane degradation and its potential for biotechnological applications.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab are developing fiber optic sensors to monitor offshore wind operations and underground natural gas storage. These sensors aim to detect issues such as gearbox failure and marine mammal activity, improving the reliability and safety of these systems.
A new study found that shutting down coal-fired plants in the US reduces nearby pollution, saving an estimated 26,610 lives between 2005 and 2016. The transition from coal to natural gas also improves crop yields, with a loss of 10.2 billion bushels of crops avoided.
A new MIT study examines the opposing roles of natural gas in the battle against climate change, as a bridge toward a lower-emissions future and a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. To meet greenhouse gas reduction targets over the coming decade, present methods of controlling methane leakage would have to improve by 30-90 percent.
Global fossil-fuel carbon dioxide emissions reached a record high in 2023, driven by increasing natural gas and oil consumption. Despite slower emissions growth, researchers warn that emissions could increase unless national energy policies change dramatically.
The US electric power sector saw a decrease in carbon intensity, with total power generation falling by 4% and CO2 emissions per megawatt-hour dropping by 9% in Q2 2019. Coal generation declined by 19% compared to the previous year, while renewable sources such as solar and wind increased their share of power generation.
Researchers found that current forecasts indicate the US electric power sector will meet 2020 and 2025 CO2 reduction requirements under the Paris Agreement. Despite no national policy aimed at reducing CO2 emissions, the US is ahead of schedule to meet short-term and mid-term goals.
Research found that fluctuations in atmospheric pressure impact the amount of natural gas leaked from wells below ground surface. Continuous monitoring can help accurately detect and evaluate gas migrations and emissions, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions from leaking oil and gas wells.
A West Virginia University chemical engineer is developing an online monitoring tool using AI to predict boiler behaviors and optimize power plant operations. The project aims to reduce forced outages, increase flexibility and profitability, and improve the nation's existing coal-fired power fleet.
Nine corporations and a university research team participated in the Mobile Monitoring Challenge, testing 10 promising technologies for finding natural gas leaks swiftly and cheaply. The technologies were effective at detecting leaks, but most need to improve their ability to quantify the size of the leaks.