Natural Gas Research Assignment: Exploration For Commercial Use

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Natural Gas
Introduction
Natural gas is one of the non-renewable energy sources and it consists primarily of methane. According to Demirel, natural gas is composed of 95.2% methane (42). Other components that make up natural gas include ethane, butane, propane, isopentane, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen (Demirel 42). Another significant feature of natural gas is that it provides about 23% of the total energy consumed in the world (Demirel 43). The demand for natural gas is on the increase as it is becoming an alternative transportation fuel. As per the prediction of the International Energy Agency, there will be an increase in the demand for natural gas of more than 67% by 2030. Demirel also notes that the natural gas is a key electricity production source in the steam and gas turbines (43). It is cleaner as it produces 30% less carbon dioxide compared to petroleum and 45% less compared to burning coal (Demirel 43). Natural gas, just like oil, forms from animals, plants, as well as microorganisms that existed millions of years ago. The most plausible theory that explains the formation of natural gas has it that it forms underground, under intense conditions. When animals, plants, and microorganisms decompose, they become covered by rocks and soil gradually (National Geographic). The organic matter is compressed over millions of years and as it moves deeper into the crust of the earth, the high temperature and compression causes a breakdown of the carbon bonds (National Geographic). It is this molecular bread down that leads to the production of natural gas.
History
Natural gas has existed since the ancient times but it exploration for commercial use is a recent phenomenon. In about 1000 B.C., a temple was built on Mount Parnassus in Greece after a herdsman had discovered a burning spring. The burning spring occurred because natural gas was seeping from the ground (HPU). In ancient India and Persia, natural gas burning springs were prominent in the religious practices as temples were built around the flames, which were termed “eternal”. In around 500 B.C., the Chinese use bamboo “pipelines” to transport natural gas seeped through the surface of the earth and used it to boil sea water and in the process create drinkable water.
The first commercial use of natural gas happened in Britain in 1785 (HPU). However, this gas was made from coal and it was used to light streets and homes (HPU). Manufactured natural gas was utilized in the US in 1816 after gaslights were installed in the city of Baltimore. This gas was also made from coal and as a result, it had more impurities compared to today’s natural gas (HPU). Early explorers in the US also found natural gas. At around 1626, Indians ignited gases in Lake Eerie, as per the records of French Missionaries. It is in this area the natural gas industry in America started. As such, Fredonia, New York, is considered the origin of underground natural gas. The first well was dug by William Hart after residents in Fredonia had observed natural seeping through the surface from a creek. The well dug by Hart was about 27 feet, which is greatly contrasted with today’s...