Natural Gas vs. Piped Natural Gas

Attribute	Natural Gas	Piped Natural Gas
Source	Underground deposits	Delivered through pipelines
Composition	Mainly methane	Mainly methane
Transportation	Requires special transportation methods	Delivered through pipelines
Storage	Stored in underground storage facilities	Stored in pipelines
Usage	Used for heating, cooking, electricity generation, etc.	Used for heating, cooking, electricity generation, etc.

Introduction

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is commonly used for heating, cooking, and generating electricity. It is a versatile and efficient source of energy that is found underground in reservoirs. Piped natural gas, on the other hand, is natural gas that has been processed and transported through pipelines to homes and businesses. In this article, we will compare the attributes of natural gas and piped natural gas to help you understand the differences between the two.

Availability

Natural gas is a naturally occurring resource that is found in underground reservoirs. It is extracted through drilling and then processed to remove impurities before being transported to consumers. Piped natural gas, on the other hand, is the processed and purified form of natural gas that is delivered through pipelines. Piped natural gas is more readily available to consumers as it can be transported directly to homes and businesses through an extensive network of pipelines.

Cost

The cost of natural gas can vary depending on factors such as supply and demand, production costs, and transportation expenses. Piped natural gas, on the other hand, is typically more expensive than natural gas due to the additional processing and transportation costs involved. However, the convenience of having piped natural gas delivered directly to your home or business may outweigh the higher cost for some consumers.

Environmental Impact

Natural gas is considered a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal and oil, as it produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions when burned. Piped natural gas, on the other hand, is even cleaner than natural gas as it undergoes additional processing to remove impurities before being delivered to consumers. This makes piped natural gas a more environmentally friendly option for heating and cooking compared to other fossil fuels.

Convenience

Natural gas is typically delivered to consumers in the form of compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) that is stored in tanks or cylinders. Piped natural gas, on the other hand, is delivered directly to homes and businesses through underground pipelines. This makes piped natural gas a more convenient option for consumers as they do not have to worry about refilling tanks or cylinders when their supply runs out.

Reliability

Natural gas is a reliable source of energy that can be used for heating, cooking, and generating electricity. Piped natural gas, on the other hand, is even more reliable as it is delivered directly to consumers through pipelines that are monitored and maintained by gas companies. This ensures a constant and uninterrupted supply of gas to homes and businesses, making piped natural gas a dependable option for meeting energy needs.

Safety

Natural gas is a flammable substance that can pose a safety risk if not handled properly. Piped natural gas, on the other hand, is delivered to consumers through pipelines that are designed to meet strict safety standards. Gas companies regularly inspect and maintain their pipelines to ensure that they are in good working condition and do not pose a safety hazard to consumers. This makes piped natural gas a safer option for heating and cooking compared to other forms of natural gas delivery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, natural gas and piped natural gas are both valuable sources of energy that offer unique benefits to consumers. While natural gas is a versatile and efficient fuel that is found underground, piped natural gas is a processed and purified form of natural gas that is delivered directly to homes and businesses through pipelines. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important for consumers to weigh the factors discussed in this article when choosing between natural gas and piped natural gas for their energy needs.