Zero carbon natural gas greening transition energy source

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Zero-carbon natural gas: Greening a transition energy source

Zero-carbon natural gas is a game-changer in the world of fossil fuels, providing a way to burn natural gas while reducing carbon emissions.

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Quantumrun Foresight
January 4, 2022

Insight summary

A groundbreaking technology is being developed that allows natural gas power plants to operate without emitting greenhouse gases. This technology, which is more cost-effective and efficient than traditional methods, captures and buries all emissions underground, resulting in a significant reduction in carbon footprints. The widespread adoption of this zero-carbon natural gas technology could lead to increased efficiency and profitability for companies, stimulate economic growth, and play a crucial role in the global fight against climate change.

Zero-carbon natural gas context

In the US, the startup, Net Power announced in 2021 that it was building a new natural gas power plant that does not emit greenhouse gases into the environment. This test plant may eventually allow utilities to continue using natural gas without contributing to climate change. Most industrial carbon capture technologies cannot produce cost-effective carbon dioxide. However, Net Powers’ Allam Cycle technology eliminates the phase transitions that cause steam cycles to be inefficient. Instead, it utilizes a geothermal working fluid that uses carbon dioxide.

Net Power plans to develop two natural-gas power stations to collect and bury all of their emissions underground. The cost of energy generated by Net Power’s facility is 1.9 cents per kilowatt-hour vs. 4.2 cents for a typical combined-cycle natural gas plant, allowing it to be the cheapest electricity generator with no carbon dioxide footprint. In addition, the firm licensed its innovation to 8 Rivers Capital LLC, which will collaborate with agriculture giant Archer-Daniels-Midlands Co. to replace certain pollutants from an Illinois coal power station.

The technique developed by Net Power employs a new type of turbine to burn natural gas in oxygen rather than air. As a consequence, the plant’s only byproducts are carbon dioxide and water. The company will freeze the water away and bury the pure carbon dioxide stream in depleted oil and gas wells or other geological formations. Net Power’s initial commercial-scale facilities will be in Illinois and Colorado. Each plant will be able to produce 280 megawatts of energy. According to Net Power, the Colorado facility will also employ air cooling, which will reduce the volume of water utilized to zero.

Disruptive impact

The advent of zero-carbon natural gas technology could mean a shift in the way we consume energy. As awareness of environmental issues increases, consumers are likely to favor energy providers that utilize zero-carbon natural gas. This shift could lead to a significant reduction in household carbon footprints, contributing to a more sustainable future.

For companies, particularly those in carbon-intensive industries, the adoption of zero-carbon natural gas could lead to increased efficiency and profitability. By requiring fewer inputs to produce the same amount of energy, these companies could significantly reduce their operating costs. This development could lead to lower prices for consumers and increased competitiveness for businesses. Moreover, companies that adopt this technology could enhance their corporate image, as consumers and investors increasingly value environmental responsibility.

The widespread implementation of zero-carbon natural gas technology could also be a game-changer in the fight against climate change. It could enable countries to significantly reduce their carbon emissions, helping them to meet their Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, governments could use this technology as a tool to stimulate economic growth, by encouraging investment in zero-carbon natural gas infrastructure and creating jobs in this emerging sector.

Implications of zero-carbon natural gas

Wider implications of zero-carbon natural gas technology may include:

Upgrading traditionally carbon-intensive natural gas infrastructure and networks with tech that can make natural gas production cheaper, more efficient, and less impactful on the environment.

Helping energy-intensive industries, like manufacturing or steel production, reduce their net emissions footprint by transitioning to zero-carbon natural gas energy sources.

Improving the profile of the natural gas sector and creating new incentives for governments to continue providing the sector with financial support.

A greater sense of environmental responsibility among citizens, leading to more sustainable lifestyle choices and a collective effort to combat climate change.