Natural gas is a fossil fuel energy source that is primarily composed of methane, a compound with one carbon atom. Here are some of the uses of natural gas:
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Electricity generation: Natural gas is used to generate electricity and produce useful thermal output. In the United States, the electric power sector accounts for about 38% of total natural gas consumption, and natural gas is the source of about 33% of the U.S. electric power sectors primary energy consumption.
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Heating: Natural gas is used for heating in homes, businesses, and industrial applications. More than half of American homes use natural gas to provide heat, hot water, and fuel for cooking.
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Manufacturing: Natural gas is used in the manufacturing of steel, paper, and petrochemicals, which are incorporated in plastics, fertilizers, synthetic fibers, cosmetics, and medicines.
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Transportation fuel: Although natural gas is a proven, reliable alternative fuel that has long been used to power natural gas vehicles, only about two-tenths of 1% is used for transportation fuel.
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Chemical feedstock: Natural gas is used as a chemical feedstock in the manufacture of plastics and other commercially important organic chemicals.
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Cooking: Natural gas is used as a fuel for cooking in homes and restaurants.
Natural gas is a versatile fuel source that has many uses in our society. It is used for electricity generation, heating, manufacturing, transportation fuel, cooking, and as a chemical feedstock.
