Out of all the fossil fuels used as a primary source of energy,
natural gas has the least environmental impact. Its chief component is
methane, making up approximately 90%.
The molecular structure of methane has one carbon atom and four hydrogen
atoms (referred to as CH4), so that its combustion generates between 45%
and 70% less CO2 than other combustible fossils.
The minimum presence of sulfur, heavy hydrocarbons and other impurities in its composition makes it much more environmentally-friendly. Specifically, the use of natural gas as a fuel for electrical power generation means that carbon dioxide emissionsare lowered by approximately 40%, compared to a conventional coal-fired plant.