DOE report indicates need for innovation, while recognizing role of natural gas, oil in U.S. energy needs

A new report from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) showcases the need for advanced energy technology innovation to maintain U.S. energy supplies and keep the industry successful and touts the importance of oil and natural gas.

“U.S. Oil and Natural Gas: Providing Energy Security and Supporting Our Quality of Life” notes that technology innovations have so far helped the U.S. to transition away from dependence on energy imports and soothed energy resource scarcity. These innovations have helped make domestic energy resources more economically recoverable and viable, boosting the nation’s presence within the global energy market.

“The Department’s efforts performing the early-stage research and working with industry to develop the technology have helped make this success possible,” Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Steven Winberg said. “While the United States was once heavily reliant on oil and natural gas imports, we are now a major supplier in international energy markets. We will continue to foster relationships with industry, academia, state agencies, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations to drive innovation forward, to underpin U.S. economic growth and energy security.”

Despite other technologies’ growth, the lion’s share of energy consumed in-country remains based on oil and natural gas. The pair accounted for 68 percent of total consumption, although wind and solar power have helped renewables soar to an 11 percent share in recent decades. Coal, however, continues to slump and is now responsible for just 13 percent of market consumption. As renewables continue their ascent, the report argues that natural gas is needed to support them.

“Natural gas also has a critical role to play in supporting the increased prevalence of renewables,” the report said. “Wind and solar inputs (sunshine) fluctuate, while electric power demand is constant. Natural gas provides a secure and reliable energy source during interruptions in renewable energy supply, such as times of low wind or sun.”

Over the coming decades, the report clarifies that oil and natural gas will continue to account for the majority of U.S. energy consumption. This fact has also helped revitalize other sectors of the nation’s economy, such as the petrochemical manufacturing industry, high-tech materials, and liquefied natural gas exportation.

“As the world transitions toward a lower carbon future, continued oil and natural gas production will remain an integral element of the transition,” the report said. “Natural gas, including associated gas from oil production, will continue to play a key role in the direct de-carbonization of electricity production while also enabling the practical, economic development of low-carbon wind and solar power by providing backup power.”