Natural Gas Surpassing Coal As Primary Source Of Utility Fuel

Six years ago, new proposed rules for clean air energy pushed for the retirement of coal-powered electricity plants. The inevitable shutdown of coal-burning plants risked the occurrences of blackouts and surges in electricity prices. During those times, roughly 44 percent of electricity was generated by coal. 

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Such fears proved unfounded after all, as natural gas, an energy source that emits 50 to 60 percent less carbon dioxide in electricity conversion than coal, has picked up the slack in energy generation. Back then, natural gas was used to produce only 22 percent of total electricity production. And forecasts see natural gas surpassing coal as the leading electricity generation fuel by 2020.

Currently, the percentage share of coal in electricity generation is 33 percent, the same figure as natural gas. It is said that this year will mark the starting point of natural gas surpassing coal as the primary source of utility fuel. And that has happened with the price of electricity being 40 percent lower than it was in 2010. 

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The nation’s shale boom has been a major factor for this trend as natural gas became a cheap and abundant alternative to coal. Additionally, natural gas is seen as the more environment-friendly and efficient option. The growth of natural gas plants has made the drive for sustainability in electricity generation possible. 

Brian Alfaro and his company, Primera Energy LLC, aims to make the country self-sufficient in energy and oil supply by maximizing production and minimizing the energy sector’s impact to the environment. Read more about the industry by visiting this blog.