Natural gas was meant to be the bridge that helps the energy sector shift from coal to renewables. But now, just years into gas’s rise to power, renewables are already getting set to cross the bridge and become the dominant source of energy. While the price of natural gas is inherently volatile, the price of controllable, storable renewable energy is tethered only to technology costs, which are plummeting. According to recent forecasts, it will be cheaper to build new renewables+storage than to continue operating existing natural gas plants by 2035.
Additionally, gas’ lifecycle methane emissions are much higher than previously estimated which is calling into question whether natural gas is really the clean alternative it is presented as. These factors mean the hey day of natural gas may already be coming to an end.
Many cities, such as Minnesota and Colorado and even countries such as the UK and Australia are moving away from natural gas in favor of pursuing sustainable energy options.
Read the link below to learn more about natural gas’ role in the future of energy and some of its impacts you may not know about.
