Air Pollution Reduction

Fuels and other resources can be used to produce electricity, heat and mechanical power. These products can also be obtained using natural gas. In the process of producing these forms of energy from fuels, pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere, among them heavy hydrocarbons. The process of producing energy from natural gas is cleaner, emitting fewer greenhouse gases. The following table presents pollution measures associated with natural gas compared to those associated with the use of other energy sources.

Pollutan / Energy Source Natural Gas Diesel Oil Coal
SO2 Aprox. 40% 100% 0%
NOX 20% 100% 100%
CO 20% Aprox. 20% 100%
CO2 Aprox. 60% 80% 100%

Source: EIA – Natural Gas Issues and Trends 1998

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