| Although oil gets the media attention, natural gas | | | | like a lot, doesn't it? Given our current rate of |
| also plays a major role in the energy needs of | | | | use, however, it equate to between 60 and 65 |
| the world. So, how much natural gas is left in the | | | | years worth of supply. |
| world? The answer may surprise you. | | | | As with oil, there are two issues that can throw |
| Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is non-renewable. | | | | the estimate of the number of years completely |
| Although called "natural gas", it could also be called | | | | off. The issues are economic growth and further |
| methane for all intents and purposes since | | | | reserves. |
| methane comprises the vast majority of the gas. | | | | The first is the emerging economies of China and |
| Natural gas is found in oil fields, coal minds and its | | | | India to mention to of the bigger ones. The |
| own unique locations. | | | | economies of these countries are expanding like |
| Natural gas is more of a direct use energy in our | | | | crazy and natural gas is one of the energy |
| daily lives. By direct use, I am referring to actually | | | | sources they live off of. In the next 10 to 20 |
| seeing it. You see it in action when you turn on | | | | years, the amount of natural gas needed by |
| your gas stove. You also see it when you spend | | | | these countries should multiply, putting strain on |
| 20 minutes burning your fingers while trying to | | | | the supply. |
| light the pilot light on a heater. Beside residential | | | | The second issue is more positive. Simply put, we |
| use, natural gas is also used by industries for a | | | | should find more natural gas fields in future years. |
| wide variety of manufacturing applications. A less | | | | The prospects for finding more are, in fact, much |
| known use is as an ingredient in the production of | | | | better than those for oil. The reason has to do |
| ammonia. | | | | with transportation. Simply put, oil is easy to |
| Interestingly, and perhaps unfortunately, the | | | | transport while natural gas is not. Recent |
| countries with major natural gas resources are | | | | innovations have solved many of the |
| mostly those that also have significant oil | | | | transportation issues, so exploration efforts are |
| reserves. Iran and Russia have some of the | | | | picking up. |
| largest fields, as do many other Mideast countries. | | | | Natural gas plays a fundamental role in the overall |
| Fortunately, natural gas is also found in oil-deficient | | | | energy supplies of most economies, particularly |
| countries such as Australia, Argentina and Mexico. | | | | first world ones. While natural gas supplies seem |
| So, how much natural gas do we currently have | | | | strong for the foreseeable future, it is important |
| to fill our energy needs? The most current | | | | to understand it is not a renewable resource, to |
| estimates put the reserves at roughly six | | | | wit, it will run out one day. |
| thousand trillion cubic feet. My, that certain sounds | | | | |