LOWER SIXTH - KGP SCHEDULE, WEEKS 2-9 - ENERGY
MODULE 1 THE DYNAMICS OF CHANGE
10.2 PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT -POPULATION AND RESOURCES
RENEWABLE ENERGY - HEP
NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY -OIL
   
NATURAL GAS
History · In August 1859 Col. Edwin Drake struck oil 69ft below the surface of the earth. It was this that prompted the construction of the first ever gas pipeline.
· It was two inches in diameter, and ran 5.5 miles from the well to the village.
· For a short time the main use of natural gas was to light streets. However with the take over of electricity other uses for natural gas were needed.
· It was then that the thermal properties of natural gas were harnessed in the form of Robert Bunsen's 1885 invention, the Bunsen Burner.
· Gas usage in industry takes off after the Second World War.
· First legendary pipeline: 120 miles long, ran from Indiana to Chicago.
What is natural gas? · Natural gas, also known as methane is a colourless odourless fuel that burns cleaner than many other fossil fuels.
· It is a popular fuel because it relatively cheap and easily available. Also it because of its clean burn it is more popular with environmentalists.
· Natural gas is produced, often with oil, under the earth's crust.
· It is obtained by exploration and eventually drilling to release the trapped pockets of gas. Why is it a very popular fuel?
· Natural gas is one of the most popular fuels on the market today.
· Forecasts for the future also suggest that the demand for natural gas is set to increase (especially as more and more car manufacturers offer LPG conversions)
· Because natural gas burns a lot cleanlier than other fossil fuels it is more popular with environmentalists as it is better for the environment.
· Natural gas is also at a much more competitive price in this country, due to go government tax's and OPEC policies towards its main contender oil.
· Ease of availability. Natural gas is piped. It does not require delivery and is easy to move around a factory by pipes. Coal fired power stations for example need to be near road and rail links, and also has to have a complex internal transport system. Gas does not create these sorts of problems.
CASE STUDY - CHINA
Background · China is one of the world's most populous countries. Although it is often labelled as a developing country it's economy behaves uniquely. · China has large reserves that have served as the primary fuel for much of Chinas recent developments. · China has some oil production, but is actively pursuing the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG). · 1.92% of fuel is LNG. This lags behind natural gas use in major industrial economies and even those of other developing nations. · Air pollution in Shanghai and Beijing and the unprecedented floods of 1998 have forced the public and government to value environmental protection.
The Situation · The Chinese government has recently announced it's first LNG project. · The China National Offshore Oil Corporation is leading the project. · It is expected that power-producing companies will take 70% of the imported gas from the first LNG venture. · The remaining 30% will be used to supply town gas to Guangdong cities. · Demand in China is expected to rise rapidly, especially in industry as the country develops further.
The Future · The LNG comes ashore on the southeastern seaboard. · There is no major pipeline running inland from the coast. · This is a major problem as it limits the positive aspects of burning natural gas to one area creating uneven development. · The country will need a much improved gas infrastructure for sustained gas sector development.
RENEWABLE ENERGY - HEP
NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY -OIL