Since the 1980s, natural gas—which consists mostly of methane—has become increasingly popular for power generation. A combination of new technologies and regulatory changes has been responsible for this shift.
Natural gas has several advantages over some renewable energy technologies: the fuel source is continuously available, the up-front cost of generating equipment is typically lower, and the generators themselves are more compact than most renewable power systems.
To help ensure continuity of service, local gas companies can store natural gas underground for use during periods of peak demand. Underground storage accounts for about 20% of the natural gas consumed each winter.
Pursue the following links to learn more about the leading gas-fueled technologies for power generation:
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