[Graeme]

Separate MIT, IEA reports both outline major expansion in role of natural gas

Given the abundance of natural gas available through large global resources and the recent emergence of substantial unconventional supplies in the United States, worldwide usage of the fuel is likely to continue to grow considerably and contribute to significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions for decades to come, according to a multidisciplinary 3-year study by MIT researchers.

Separately, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released its own report exploring the potential for a “golden age” of gas. The new report, part of the World Energy Outlook (WEO) 2011 series, examines the key factors that could result in a more prominent role for natural gas in the global energy mix, and the implications for other fuels, energy security and climate change.

greencarcongress

[Pops]

Great, I shoulda stayed in town!

[Graeme]

I'm sure you'll miss the nightlife!

MIT and IEA reports take different views of the future of natural gas in transportation

MIT and the IEA both have newly released reports exploring the potential for and impact of a major expansion in global usage of natural gas, given the current re-evaluation of global supplies. (Earlier post.) Although the reports both focus strongly on the increased use of natural gas in power generation, they also explore the likely impact of increased natural gas use on transportation.

The MIT report, which is focused on the US, albeit within a global context, concludes that natural gas use in the transportation sector is likely to increase. While compressed natural gas (CNG) will play a role, particularly for high-mileage fleets, the report suggests that the chemical conversion of gas into some form of liquid fuel may be the best pathway to significant market penetration. The IEA takes a more conventional approach, assessing the impact on the penetration of vehicles burning gas as their fuel.

greencarcongress


Pops, I wonder if this thread could be moved to the Peak Oil Studies & Energy Reports forum?