MIT report on natural gas growth

• 13 years ago (2010-06-25)
• David Flin

North America 998

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The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has published the findings of a two year study into the use of natural gas in the USA. The study proposes greater use of natural gas in the generation of electricity, claiming that this could reduce the country’s CO2 emissions levels by over 10 per cent.

An interim report on the study, entitled “The Future of Gas”, says that even a modest shift from coal to natural gas at power plants would achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions equal to half the goal set in Copenhagen for 2020.

Recent attention to the costs associated with coal and oil production has given momentum to the increased use of natural gas. In a speech earlier this month, President Obama specifically called for “tapping into our (US) natural gas reserves” as a move toward a clean energy future. “The next generation will not be held hostage to energy sources from the last century. We are going to move forward.”

Other major findings and recommendations made by the MIT report include the following:

On Carbon Policy. US CO2 reduction policy should create a level playing field where all energy technologies can compete, subject to legislated CO2 emissions goals, without long-term subsidies or other preferential policy treatment.

On the Environment. Public information on the production process for natural gas should be increased and the complete disclosure of all components of hydraulic fracture faults should be required.

On R&D. The government should bolster research into the development of shale gas. Research could help reduce water usage and other environmental impacts of drilling.