Articles tagged with Natural Gas
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.
New research by Caltech scientists reveals that natural gas leaks from heating homes and businesses in the Los Angeles Basin contribute significantly to methane emissions. Methane concentrations peak in winter when natural gas usage is highest, with levels dropping during summer months.
Researchers have designed plastic-based materials that can store natural gas more effectively, achieving a high deliverable gravimetric methane working capacity. The developed material, COP-150, has a total cost of only $1 USD per kilogram and can be produced using freely available plastic materials.
Research suggests reusing oil rigs as CO2 storage sites could be 10 times cheaper than decommissioning. This scheme would store natural gas production emissions and help combat climate change by locking away CO2.
A team led by Dr. Mert Atilhan and Dr. Cafer Yavuz developed a new porous polymer that can store natural gas more effectively than current methods. This breakthrough material has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by storing cleaner-burning fuels, such as natural gas, instead of coal or oil.
Researchers have developed a biochemical approach to control the conversion of natural gas into liquid fuel, overcoming challenges in selective hydroxylation of methane and propane. This method uses an artificial P450 system driven by hydrogen peroxide, showing comparable or better catalytic properties than known enzymes.
A Drexel University study suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Rocky Mountain region can save hundreds of lives and billions of dollars. The research predicts that fees on energy producers will lead to a reduction in ozone levels, resulting in improved health outcomes.
Researchers developed a practical gas phase modulator synthesis of hydrogen-natural gas blend (HNGB) without chemical waste, minimizing environmental impact. The new approach allows for efficient storage and transportation of hydrogen using clathrate hydrates.
Under confined conditions, bubbles can form spheres as perfectly matched as droplets. The new findings have implications for biomedical research and understanding natural gas interactions with petroleum.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University developed a novel method for storing methane by accelerating hydrate formation under high pressure and low temperature. This process is more environmentally friendly, safer, and cheaper than traditional liquefied gas technology, making it an attractive solution for the petroleum industry.
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel polymer membrane that dramatically improves the efficiency of natural gas purification while reducing environmental impact. The membrane can process natural gas quickly and effectively, removing more carbon dioxide than traditional materials.
Current methods for measuring health impacts from oil and natural gas extraction are insufficient, with studies finding poor health outcomes near operations despite standard health benchmarks not being reached. The authors call for further research on emissions using accurate timeframes and proximity to extraction sites.
Kathleen Smits' research aims to improve response to gas-emission incidents by predicting methane migration conditions and providing data-based guidelines for industry first responders. Her team's modeling has found that gas concentrations in the atmosphere are often small compared to the size of the leak, making detection methods flawed.
A new study published in Environmental Geosciences is the first to predict which oil and gas wells are likely to leak methane. The research used machine learning algorithms to identify characteristics of wells that deviate from vertical drill lines, age, and larger casings as indicators of potential leaks.
Researchers at KAUST developed a metal-organic framework that selectively adsorbs hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from natural gas, making it cleaner-burning and more environmentally friendly. The technology could also promote increased use of natural gas worldwide, potentially yielding large environmental and economic benefits.
A study analyzing methane emissions in a natural gas production basin revealed significant diurnal variation in emission rates. Peak emissions occurred during working hours and coincided with aircraft-based measurements, potentially explaining discrepancies between top-down and bottom-up estimates.
Researchers estimate US methane emissions from oil and gas supply chains are greater than thought, with emissions in 2015 about 60% higher than EPA estimates. The discrepancy is likely due to existing inventory methods not capturing abnormal operating conditions like malfunctions.
A new study finds that the shutdown of two nuclear power plants in Pennsylvania will not significantly impact power prices due to low natural gas prices. The research suggests that efficient natural gas power plants have increased capacity, making it difficult for nuclear power to compete with competitive market outcomes.
Researchers from Swansea University found that enriching natural gas with hydrogen is a promising way to reduce UK carbon dioxide emissions. By increasing the hydrogen content to 30%, domestic carbon emissions could be reduced by up to 18% without requiring any changes to appliances.
Researchers propose a novel two-part system combining gas hydrates and membranes to separate impurities from natural gas. The integrated system aims to improve performance, reduce costs and diminish ecological side effects compared to benchmark technologies.
Researchers have detected small earthquakes caused by migrating gases in the underground, particularly in the Istanbul-Marmara region. The study found that natural gas reservoirs near tectonic disturbances can trigger weaker earthquakes as a result of gas escaping and moving upwards.
A team of researchers from Colorado State University's Energy Institute has received a $1.2 million grant to study the efficiency of natural gas engines, aiming to make them as efficient as diesel engines. The research could lead to cost savings and improved air quality, with potential benefits for commercial vehicles.
A study suggests that using existing natural gas infrastructure to replace coal in power plants can significantly reduce global carbon emissions. The UK's approach, which has already cut its emissions by 25%, could be emulated globally to achieve a 3% reduction in annual emissions.
A study from the University of Sheffield found that a rapid switch from coal to natural gas in Britain resulted in a 6% decrease in emissions. The key factor behind this reduction was effective carbon pricing, which incentivized the fuel switch.
Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University have found that US power sector carbon dioxide emissions are on track to meet near-term targets under the Paris Agreement despite the Trump Administration's withdrawal of the Clean Power Plan. A strong link between natural gas prices and emission reductions has been identified, with declining...
A USC-led analysis of the Aliso Canyon gas leak found that corporate dysfunction and lack of regulatory oversight led to the largest methane gas leak in US history. The study highlights the need for improved safety culture, better industrial management, and more stringent regulations in underground gas storage facilities.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that despite the Clean Heat Program, many buildings continued to burn residual diesel fuel oil, releasing high levels of particulate matter and linked health problems. The researchers recommend new incentives and a building energy rating system to encourage conversion.
Finalists made significant impacts in broadcasting, healthcare, communication, and energy industries, leading to substantial cost savings and efficiency gains. The award recognizes achievements in operations research and management science.
Researchers at UTA have found harmful pathogenic bacteria in Texas groundwater near unconventional natural gas extraction sites, particularly resistant to antibiotics and disinfection. The studies identify novel treatments and bioremediation strategies for contaminated waters.
Researchers at KU Leuven have created a new membrane that significantly enhances the separation of methane and CO2 in natural gas and biogas. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of renewable fuels and chemicals.
Researchers at MIT have found a low-temperature electrochemical process to convert methane into valuable derivatives, potentially leading to lower-cost methane conversion and reduced flaring. This technology could provide an alternative to high-temperature industrial processes and pave the way for widespread adoption.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have discovered a unique reaction pathway that utilizes molten sodium-based catalysts to efficiently convert natural gas into industrial products. The catalyst, which forms hydroxyl radicals from oxygen and water, has great potential for various catalytic reactions.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a small reactor that can inexpensively break down methane into carbon monoxide and hydrogen, producing syngas for use in energy production. This innovation could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and wasted energy from oil drilling operations.
Berkeley Lab awards $4.6 million for two projects to mitigate risks in California's natural gas system, focusing on risk management and ground deformation monitoring. The projects will help facility operators detect leaks early and prevent catastrophic events.
A study by Florida Museum of Natural History found that noise pollution from gas compressors significantly decreases the populations of certain insects and spiders, while increasing others. This shift in arthropod communities could have larger-scale ecological consequences.
New EPA regulations may reduce methane emissions by 27%, but achieve only 20-50% of expected reductions. Researchers recommend a regional approach to addressing methane leaks and adopting more effective detection technologies.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a sensor that detects specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy using gold-plated crystals. The technology outperforms existing detectors in size, weight, power, speed and cost, making it ideal for detecting methane or natural gas leaks, monitoring crop health and recycling plastics.
Researchers at Colorado State University are using Google Street View cars equipped with methane analyzers to create a comprehensive inventory of urban methane leak sources. The project aims to help utility companies prioritize leak repairs based on emissions, reducing pipeline methane emissions by 30% and accelerating crucial repairs.
Researchers equipped Google Street View cars with methane analyzers to track leaks in Boston, Indianapolis, and other cities. The study found that some cities release up to 25 times more methane per kilometer of road than others, highlighting the need for targeted repairs.
Scientists from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University developed a turbo expander electric generator operating on high-pressure natural gas. The device converts part of the emitted energy into electrical power, generating sustainable electricity without additional fuel.
A CU Boulder team, in collaboration with NIST and UC Davis, will track methane leaks from natural gas storage facilities using a novel laser system. The ground-based system measures changes in methane concentrations down to one part-per-billion, while light aircraft flights provide estimates of total emissions.
A new study finds that methane emissions in the San Francisco Bay Area are about 1.8 times higher than estimated, with biological sources accounting for 82% and fossil fuel sources for 17%. The research highlights the importance of reducing methane levels to meet California's greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Dr. Wachs' research aims to identify fundamental structure-activity/selectivity relationships for catalysts, guiding the design of advanced catalysts. His team explores direct conversion of natural gas into liquid fuels without oxidizing reagents, offering a promising solution to overcome stranded gas.
A new study reveals that a small number of super-emitting natural gas wells are responsible for more than half of US methane emissions. The findings suggest that focusing on finding and fixing the biggest leaks can significantly reduce emissions.
A new Department of Energy-funded project will measure emissions from 80 compressor stations nationwide and more than 300 individual units. The study aims to develop a national model for methane emissions and inform future versions of the EPA Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
Researchers studied the distribution and characteristics of natural gas hydrates in fine-grained sediments from Shenhu area, South China Sea. They found that foraminifera shells played a crucial role in increasing porosity and hydrate accumulation.
KAIST researchers create ultramicroporous benzothiazole polymers with exceptional stability and affinity for CO2, offering a sustainable solution to natural gas sweetening. The novel materials can be recycled back into an efficient process.
Researchers developed a staged separation method that can reduce venting and flaring of natural gas from wells by up to 70 percent. The approach involves using high-pressure and low-pressure steps to separate gas, resulting in more sustainable oil production processes.
A new technique detects methane leaks in real time, informing strategies to meet federal limits on emissions from the oil and gas industry. The approach identified 250 methane plumes emanating from various sources, including natural gas processing facilities and pipeline leaks.
A new study by UBC researchers reveals Montreal's low greenhouse gas emissions due to affordable hydropower and electric heating, while Edmonton's high emissions are attributed to extreme weather, low density, and coal reliance. The study also found a decline in average household GHG emissions across Canada from 1997 to 2009.
A study of over 35,000 patients with asthma found that living near areas with high residential unconventional natural gas development activity was associated with a higher risk of asthma exacerbations. The study estimated air pollution and exposure metrics using distance, well characteristics, and phase duration.
A new tool, FEAST, calculates economic costs of different methane leak detection technologies and identifies the most cost-effective methods. The study found that selectively targeting super-emitters can help mitigate methane leakage at lower costs, while expensive instruments can be used if leak detection is performed rapidly.
A recent study by Boston University researchers found that almost a sixth of gas leaks in metropolitan Boston are potentially explosive and can pose significant safety risks. The study, published in Environmental Pollution, emphasizes the need for better detection methods to prioritize leak repairs.
A recent study by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology reveals a significant correlation between oil and natural gas production in the USA and an increase in atmospheric methane concentrations. The research suggests that thermogenic methane from the oil and gas industry contributes to at least 40% of the global increase in methane concent...