With nearly 50 years in the natural gas industry, GROEBNER is committed to supporting sustainable energy solutions.
The world faces an energy landscape, largely fueled by conventional sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Despite the rapid growth of renewables like wind and solar, their intermittent nature poses significant hurdles. This is where the role of natural gas, particularly as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, becomes indispensable. With its lower emissions footprint, natural gas acts as a vital bridge in the transition towards a greener future.
With nearly 50 years in the natural gas industry, GROEBNER is committed to supporting sustainable energy solutions and using our expertise in natural gas to help in making the energy transition a reality.
Natural Gas: A Cleaner Alternative
For more than two centuries, natural gas has powered the United States, making it a crucial pillar of the nation’s energy framework. Its efficiency and environmental advantages have not only stood the test of time but have also positioned natural gas as a leading force in the movement towards cleaner energy.
Steve D’Amato, GROEBNER's Vice President of Training and Development, emphasized the massive impact of natural gas as a cleaner alternative within the energy industry. “One of the key factors in progress has been the substantial reduction of emissions by 70% since 1990. Natural gas is key to the transition because you can't automatically be all electric. Natural gas acts as an essential bridge, offering a cleaner-burning option compared to other fossil fuels.”
This transition is underscored by the significant shift from coal to natural gas in electricity generation. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that moving to natural gas-fired electricity is responsible for 66% of the total reduction in CO2 emissions since 2005. This switch not only slashed emissions but also led to energy-related carbon dioxide emissions hitting a 40-year low. Such milestones underscore the role of natural gas as a cleaner, more sustainable alternative.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG): Enhancing Sustainability
America’s natural gas utilities are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through smart innovation, like renewable natural gas (RNG).
RNG captures methane from sources like landfills, wastewater plants, and farms, converting what would be emissions into energy. This methane is refined, stripping away CO2 and impurities, allowing it to join the flow of natural gas pipelines for everyday use. RNG not only diversifies our fuel sources but also promises even more extended supply of natural gas, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing air quality.
The nation’s existing pipeline infrastructure network further enables RNG to flow from points of production to centers of demand both near and far. RNG is carbon neutral, versatile and compatible with the U.S. pipeline system, so it can lower emissions in homes, businesses, and heavy industries, such as manufacturing.
The Future of Hydrogen and Natural Gas Blends
Blending hydrogen with natural gas introduces a promising pathway to reduce carbon footprints even further. This technique, safely used in gas distribution systems worldwide, retains the efficiency and reliability of natural gas while enhancing its environmental profile. D’Amato points out the potential of green hydrogen:
"You can make hydrogen from excess electricity generated by wind farms through electrolysis... and then store it in a pipeline, blending up to 20% of hydrogen with natural gas. Suddenly, your natural gas is cleaner, and for consumers, nothing changes."
Hydrogen also does not create any carbon emissions when it's used for energy. The only byproduct is water vapor. The natural gas infrastructure can play a key role in connecting hydrogen production and supply to demand centers and customers. Continued use of gas infrastructure, existing and purpose-built, can increase the likelihood of successfully reaching decarbonization goals.
Facing Challenges, Embracing Opportunities
GROEBNER remains proactive in addressing the evolving landscape of natural gas and its alternatives. System components such as meters, regulators, valves and high-pressure plastic pipe have all been tested and verified by our vendor partners for use with both RNG & hydrogen.
GROEBNER stands committed to this transition, ready to support the industry with knowledge, compliant products, and collaboration. While challenges in technology development and costs may persist, the direction is clear:
“Renewable natural gas and hydrogen are parts of the future; the question is just at what level? It depends on how fast technology develops. The more methane we can capture, the better,” D’Amato said.
For details on our products, contact your GROEBNER Territory Manager or reach our customer care team at 800-638-8322 / sales@groebner.com.