INGAA Foundation study finds natural gas infrastructure critical to greener future
Even as the economy shifts increasingly to renewable and other, lower-carbon interests, a study commissioned by the INGAA Foundation and conducted by Black & Veatch Management Consulting finds that natural gas still plays a crucial role in meeting low-carbon goals.
The report, “The Role of Natural Gas in the Transition to a Lower-Carbon Economy,” provided a comprehensive analysis of the future role natural gas will play as a significant contributor to U.S. energy interests and economic growth from 2020 to 2040. The report concluded this through analysis of two possible future scenarios — one that approaches a balanced alteration of policy and market values, and the other a quick spread of renewables throughout power generation owing to heavily enforced policy efforts. It investigated both through modeling and industry subject matter expertise, focusing on how each scenario will affect natural gas demand.
In both scenarios, natural gas was a vital component of the success of a greener economy.
“As demonstrated by this report, America’s natural gas will serve both domestic and global needs for many years to come,” INGAA Foundation President Don Santa said. “The members of the INGAA Foundation look forward to contributing to the safe, efficient and environmentally responsible transmission of natural gas to customers as we transition to a lower-carbon economy.”
The reason for this is a difference in the nature of the two energy sources. Renewables, such as solar and wind, remain an intermittent source, despite gains in storage and other technology. INGAA holds that by turning increasingly to them, the U.S. will continue to need a flexible, quick ramp-up generation source that will see people continue to rely on natural gas supplies.
“Natural gas has undergone a transformation over the past decade, and this study illustrates the attributes of natural gas and our robust natural gas infrastructure mean that natural gas will remain an essential source of energy within a greener U.S. energy mix,” said Deepa Poduval, associate vice president and industry executive for oil and gas at Black & Veatch’s Management Consulting business.
INGAA concluded that natural gas power generation would require additional services and pipeline capacity to meet either future scenario. In this way, they believe they can support renewables growth and greater grid reliability.
