Natural gas (methane)

Natural gas is a combustible gas consisting mainly of methane (CH₄). It is used to heat rooms, generate energy and as a chemical raw material in industrial processes.

Definition
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that consists mainly of methane and contains other gases such as nitrogen and hydrocarbons. It is a fuel gas and an important component of the energy supply.

Background / Origin
Natural gas is formed by geochemical processes from organic material deposited at great depths. The gas migrates upwards through cracks and pores in rock layers and can form underground gas deposits known as natural gas traps. Natural gas is often found together with crude oil.

Natural gas is extracted by drilling, followed by purification and drying. The processed natural gas is then fed into the natural gas grid, which enables it to be distributed to various points of consumption. While natural gas reserves are larger than oil reserves globally, availability and access to these reserves vary from region to region.

Properties
Natural gas consists mainly of:
- Methane (CH₄)
- Nitrogen (N₂)
- Smaller proportions of ethane, propane, butane and traces of helium and hydrogen sulphide.

These gases are highly flammable and can be used as fuel. The calorific value of natural gas is between 8.6 and 11.4 kWh per standard cubic meter (Nm³) at a pressure of 1,013 mbar and 0 °C. There are also two main qualities of natural gas: H-gas (high gas) and L-gas (low gas), which differ in terms of their energy value.

Use and importance in the market
Natural gas is primarily used to heat residential and commercial premises. It is also used as a heat source for industrial processes and can be converted into electricity. In compressed form (CNG), it is used as a fuel for natural gas vehicles, while liquefied natural gas (LNG) is used in shipping and for trucks.

Natural gas also acts as a reaction partner in chemical processes, for example in ammonia synthesis or iron production. The main source of natural gas in Europe is Russia, while reserves in other regions such as the North Sea are shrinking significantly.

Differentiation from similar terms
- Hydrogen: While natural gas consists mainly of hydrocarbons, hydrogen is a pure chemical element and has different physical properties and uses.
- Refinery gases: Natural gas differs from refinery gases such as butane and propane, which are by-products of oil refining.
- Biogas: Biogas results from organic decomposition and contains metane, but is produced by different processes than fossil natural gas.

Summary
Natural gas is a fossil energy source consisting mainly of methane. It is used in a variety of ways, particularly for heating rooms and in industrial applications. It is produced by geochemical processes and the quality of the gas depends on its energy value. Access to natural gas supplies varies from region to region, with Russia playing a central role in European supply.