Natural gas - solving the energy crisis - reviving the economy

Olsoljer — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:21:54 GMT

Since natural gas can be used in lieu of refined oil, and the US has the largest amount of natural gas, why are we not converting to this cleaner form of energy? Converting over would solve the unemployment problem, bolster our economy, and keep the billions of dollars we spend on foreign oil and "goodwill" to countries who hate us anyway, here in the United States? Besides heating and cooling, conversion is possible for all vehicles, including 18 wheelers to run on natural gas.

RE: Natural gas - solving the energy crisis - reviving the economy

SocratesRedux — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:39:37 GMT

Let's not confuse fact with hopes.

Russia is the largest gas producer, U.S. second, Canada third.

It is entirely possible with Exxon's and other recent discoveries and magnificent projections of additions to reserves that the U.S will indeed have more access to natural gas (Exxon's world-beating shale gas find is in Canada, at least a friendly country).

As in other discussions about energy, care must be taken not to overweight a solution. In the 1990"s natural gas availability and projections led many energy economists to offer natural gas as a solution to energy needs for power production, and home heating.

Guess what? People believed, millions of new natural gas home heating units were installed, additional power production plants went on line and...wait for it...here it comes....natural gas demand grew rapidly, leading to price increases of a substantial nature.

Now, we are in another cycle of discovering more natural gas (because we looked for it!) imagining the future as a natural gas heaven, and it just won't happen. Natural gas is still an "extractive" resource, still a diminishing resource, and in the long run, gas, like oil, will go away.

We need Nuclear for power generation for commercial and some residential, but energy self sufficiency, even environmental self-sufficiency on a per-household basis will wind up being the goal, and the necessity.

Much of what you suggest is being done-vehicle conversion, hybrids- and more is on the way. But there is not enough natural gas to thorougly exploit the opportunities you envision.

One other note; we are rapidly approaching the law of diminishing returns in regards to energy resources in which decisions must be made as to "highest-value usage."

This means simply is a gallon of oil more valuable as a fuel, as a lubricant, as a feedstock for chemicals, or for other uses? We may get to the point where oil's highest value is as a lubricant for the wheels of vehicles using electric engines-direct drive-which also need lubricant.

Your thinking about the solutions is the best guarantee we have that America will be the leader in creating opportunities for energy self-sufficiency, and then independence.

RE: Natural gas - solving the energy crisis - reviving the economy

Olsoljer — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:18:23 GMT

Thank you for the answer you gave, I really appreciate it. To go a little further though, I should have said in addition to increasing nuclear energy capabilities. I understand and agree that natural gas, as well as oil, is not a renewable resource. But conversion to natural gas which we now have a massive amount of would keep us from paying for foreign oil, keeping our money at home. Wouldn't converting be more economically feasible and, in addition, give us more time to come up with an alternative energy source?

RE: Natural gas - solving the energy crisis - reviving the economy

SocratesRedux — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:28:07 GMT

I guess I wasn't clear.

DOE estimates that gasoline to natural gas conversion for just 10% of our auto and truck fleet would consumer most of the natural gas we produce; 50% conversion would require importing 20% of the world's supply of natural gas, at prices so much higher as to obviate the proposal in the first place. This is even allowing for the large Exxon Canadian and U.S. gas shale discoveries; and the same in Brazil and other places.

Heck, Saudi Arabia "flares off" enough gas each day to heat and light a city.

Although they are starting to be aware of the need for re-pumping the gas into the ground to extend oilfield production, some Saudi fields and others are starting to wind down, and new technologies are needed to improve lifespan.

Which is not to say that as much design and conversion of gasoline to natural gas as can occur, should occur, WITHOUT FORCING RATIONING OR SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER NATURAL GAS PRICES.

Economics dictates that demand increases prices, even forgetting the overview of our pollution responsibilities.

RE: Natural gas - solving the energy crisis - reviving the economy

Olsoljer — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:18:25 GMT

Again, thank you. New question for you - I understand Brazil has come up with a smaller wind generator that produces a massive amount of electricity. My grandson is supposed to be sending me information on it. Have you heard anything about it?

RE: Natural gas - solving the energy crisis - reviving the economy

SocratesRedux — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:25:44 GMT

The physics of wind power turbines are relatively fixed. Absent different materials design, or locations with continuous wind force in a designated area that allows for smaller turbines to generate the same amount of electricity, I can't see it.

I haven't heard specifically of a Brazilian breakthrough, although it is possible. Most of the newest turbine designs are from Germany and India,

The most bang for the buck, least pollution, greatest overall efficiency is Nuclear.

RE: Natural gas - solving the energy crisis - reviving the economy

Raw Earth Energy Corporation — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 09:12:48 GMT

To the answer to your question without going down the different roads of what if this and what if that is basic. Yes, by converting to natural gas it would keep the American Dollar here in America and create jobs here in America. As far as producing electricity for the future, it is going to have to be Solar. Nuclear is the most toxic and destructive form of energy in case of any kind of accident, but it is also the most powerful form of energy known to mankind. The most safe and least toxic is Solar Energy in the many different forms that it is being applicated and Solar has the least amount of carbon foot print or danger being left behind in its different uses. Oil as a lubricant and for plastics and other chemical uses other than fuel, will be the place for oil in the future and America has those reserves on hand without turning to the foreign markets. Americans using natural gas in cars and trucks and other vehicles will still be contributing to the green house gasses and pollution that we as Americans will still have to deal with.