API study looks at environmental benefits of US natural gas in foreign markets

A new study released by the American Petroleum Institute (API) examines the environmental benefits of U.S. natural gas use in China, Germany, and India.

The report finds that U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) for electricity generation produces, on average, 50.5 percent fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than coal.

“This study underscores what we have known for quite some time – that U.S. natural gas is a far cleaner option than coal for electricity generation, especially in key markets in China, Germany, and India,” API Director of Market Development Dustin Meyer said. “U.S. LNG exports can help accelerate environmental progress across the globe, enabling nations to transition to cleaner natural gas to reduce emissions and address the global risks of climate change.”

The study, “Update to the Life-Cycle Analysis of GHG Emissions for US LNG Exports,” reveals that coal still makes up 66 percent of power generation in China, 74 percent in India, and 30 percent in Germany. In the U.S., coal generation has dropped from roughly 50 percent in 2005 to 24 percent in 2019. Meanwhile, natural gas generation has increased from 19 percent to nearly 40 percent in the same period. This has been instrumental in reducing emissions in the power sector by 25 percent since 2008 in the United States.

It also found that U.S. LNG delivers 48 percent fewer emissions than Chinese coal and 49 percent fewer emissions than U.S. coal. In Germany, U.S. LNG delivers 53 percent fewer emissions than U.S. coal and 51 percent fewer emissions than German coal. Further, in India, U.S. LNG delivers 48 percent fewer emissions than Indian coal and 48 percent fewer emissions than U.S. coal.

API represents America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 600 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation’s energy.