U.S. Natural Gas System Methane Emissions: State of Knowledge from LCAs, Inventories, and Atmospheric Measurements (Presentation): NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

Research output: NRELPresentation

Abstract

Natural gas (NG) is a potential 'bridge fuel' during transition to a decarbonized energy system: It emits less carbon dioxide during combustion than other fossil fuels and can be used in many industries. However, because of the high global warming potential of methane (CH4, the major component of NG), climate benefits from NG use depend on system leakage rates. Some recent estimates of leakagehave challenged the benefits of switching from coal to NG, a large near-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction opportunity. During this presentation, Garvin will review evidence from multiple perspectives - life cycle assessments (LCAs), inventories and measurements - about NG leakage in the US. Particular attention will be paid to a recent article in Science magazine which reviewed over 20 yearsof published measurements to better understand what we know about total methane emissions and those from the oil and gas sectors. Scientific and policy implications of the state of knowledge will be discussed.
Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages49
StatePublished - 2014

Publication series

NamePresented at the Colorado State University (CSU) Mechanical Engineering Department, 7 April 2014, Fort Collins, Colorado

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/PR-6A20-61686

Keywords

  • methane leakage
  • natural gas
  • shale gas

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'U.S. Natural Gas System Methane Emissions: State of Knowledge from LCAs, Inventories, and Atmospheric Measurements (Presentation): NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this