March 2011, Vol. 238 No. 3
In The News
Report Finds Natural Gas Critical To Smart Energy Future
Natural gas is the key to a smart energy future through its efficient, safe and reliable delivery and its use as an abundant, domestic, affordable, low-carbon energy source for all segments of the economy, according to a white paper released by the Gas Technology Institute and Navigant Consulting.
The paper, Natural Gas in a Smart Energy Future, was sponsored by five major natural gas groups, representing all segments of the North American industry: The American Gas Foundation, APGA Research Foundation; Canadian Gas Association, the INGAA Foundation Inc. and the Natural Gas Supply Association. It states that we must take action to aggressively pursue smart energy solutions in order to achieve key goals by 2030.
“A smart energy future is critical to our nation’s economic well-being, environmental health and security,” said Jose Lozano, chairman of the APGA Research Foundation. “This report defines the ‘smart’ and ‘strategic’ roles of natural gas in a smart energy future and serves to ensure that natural gas is part of the conversation in policy and infrastructure planning.”
INGAA Foundation President Don Santa added, “Natural gas must be fully integrated with electricity from multiple sources, including renewables, to ensure a smart energy future. In achieving this vision, and implementing seamless communications and data management between the gas and electric infrastructure, we will make our energy system more reliable, safer and better able to manage peak demand.”
Gregg Kantor, chairman of the American Gas Foundation noted, “Better energy integration and improved technology and infrastructure will lead to increased safety, reliability and efficiency, and will provide economic and national security benefits that we cannot afford to delay.”
The findings in the report have international implications as well. CGA President Timothy Egan said, “Natural gas meets 30% of Canada’s energy needs and this report illustrates that natural gas is smart energy, a strategic asset and the foundation of Canada’s smart energy future.”
Comments