See Also: Converting $/MBtu Natural Gas Prices to $/kwh Electricity Prices
Natural mixture of flammable Gases (see States Of Matter) found issuing from the ground or obtained from specially driven wells.
Largely a mixture of Hydrocarbons, natural gas is usually 80 to 95% Methane. The composition varies in different localities, and minor components may
include Carbon Dioxide (see Oxidation and Reduction), Nitrogen, Hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and Helium. Often found with Petroleum , natural gas also occurs apart from it in sand, sandstone, and limestone
deposits.
Natural gas began to be used as an illuminant and a fuel on a large scale in
the late 19th century, when pipelines (see Specifications - Piping) were built to provide it to large industrial cities. It has also been used
on a small scale in recent years as an alternative fuel for automobiles and
other vehicles. Liquified natural gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled and
pressurized to liquify it for convenience in shipping and storage. Natural
gas emits fewer pollutants when burned than Coal or Oil, meaning less pollution control equipment has to be installed on generating
(see Generator) equipment.