Natural Gas

Brief History

Natural gas has a long and storied history as a source of energy, dating back to ancient times. The first and most bizarre use takes us back to around 1000 BC when ancient Greece created the Oracle at Delphi on Mount Parnassus where a priestess in a trans like state would give patrons advice. Usually not the best advice and some experts say she was most likely inhaling ethylene gas that was leaking from a naturally occurring vent of geological origin.*

In 500 B.C. the Chinese were essentially the first to create desalinization plants and used it to boil sea water to make it drinkable. In 1785 over on the tiny island of Britain they lit their filthy dark streets up with natural gas lamps. The Yanks in America were next in line and around 1816 they lit up the streets of Baltimore, Maryland. Today, it remains a popular energy source, accounting for over 30% of the world's energy consumption.

In 1885, a man by the name of Robert Bunsen created the Bunsen burner and opened the valve for natural gas. Once effective pipelines began being built in the 20th century, the use of natural gas expanded to home heating and cooking, appliances such as water heaters and oven ranges, manufacturing and processing plants, and boilers to generate electricity. He also paved the way to many curious chemistry students blowing things up in chemistry labs across the globe.

What is Natural Gas?

Natural gas is?a fossil fuel energy source and it contains many different compounds. The largest component of natural gas is methane, a compound with one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms (CH4)

Like coal, it is formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that were buried under the earth's surface millions of years ago. Some argue that this makes it renewable, but most people with common sense know that by the time our beloved granny and the ole oak tree that marks her resting place turn into a fossil fuel it’s safe to say that humans will have destroyed the planet. Technically the truth, but we can do LOT better and be a LOT more responsible as humans.

How Do We Tap That Gas?

The gas is extracted from underground reservoirs located at shallow depths below the earth's surface (1km or 1/2mile) and transported through pipelines to be used for a variety of purposes, including heating, cooking, and generating electricity. While natural gas does emit carbon dioxide when burned, it produces much less than other fossil fuels like coal and oil.

Natural Gas Vs Geothermal

Geothermal energy, on the other hand, is a renewable energy source that harnesses the natural heat of the earth's interior (you’re probably getting tired of hearing me say this). It is generated by drilling wells and pumping water into the ground to heat it up, which is then used to create steam that powers turbines and generates electricity. Unlike natural gas, geothermal energy is a clean and sustainable source of energy that produces no carbon emissions.

When it comes to comparing natural gas and geothermal energy, there are several key differences to consider. For one, natural gas is a non-renewable resource that will eventually run out, while geothermal energy is renewable and will continue to be available as long as the earth's interior remains hot. Additionally, geothermal energy produces no greenhouse gas emissions, while natural gas does emit carbon dioxide when burned.

In terms of cost, natural gas is currently cheaper than geothermal energy, making it a more attractive option for many consumers. However, the cost of geothermal energy is expected to decrease as technology advances and more infrastructure is built to support its use.

Conclusion

Overall, while natural gas remains a popular energy source, it is important to consider the environmental impact and long-term sustainability of this fossil fuel. Geothermal energy provides a clean and renewable alternative that has the potential to meet our energy needs while minimizing our impact on the environment.

Footnote

* Read more the ancient Greek Oracle of Delphi