Articles tagged with "natural-gas"
World's largest private energy grid opts for hybrid cooling system
Fermi America has partnered with Hungarian power-cooling specialist MVM EGI to develop advanced hybrid cooling systems for its planned 11 GW energy campus and data center in Amarillo, Texas. The collaboration, formalized through a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding signed on December 1, will focus initially on engineering and feasibility studies for indirect hybrid cooling towers designed to support up to 6 GW of natural gas generation and four AP1000 nuclear reactors. These 450-foot towers will employ a hybrid dry-wet cooling approach that combines air cooling with closed-loop water circulation to significantly reduce evaporative water loss, with additional plans to explore recycled water and solar-covered retention ponds to enhance water conservation. Project Matador, situated on Texas Tech University land, aims to become one of the world’s largest data center campuses, spanning 18 million square feet and integrating multiple energy sources including natural gas, solar, wind, and nuclear power. The project has secured key energy agreements, such as a pipeline connection with Energy
energyhybrid-cooling-systemwater-conservationpower-generationdata-center-energynatural-gasnuclear-reactorsPakistan’s LNG Retreat Signals Trouble for Canada’s Export Ambitions - CleanTechnica
The article highlights Pakistan’s recent move to request Qatar to divert or sell 24 contracted LNG cargoes in 2026, signaling a significant shift in global LNG demand expectations. Pakistan had initially committed to long-term LNG contracts anticipating steady power demand growth and the need to supplement declining domestic gas production. However, the country’s rapid addition of approximately 17 GW of solar capacity in 2024 dramatically altered its electricity mix, reducing reliance on gas-fired power generation. This transition, driven by affordability, energy security, and price stability rather than climate policy, has led to decreased LNG usage and financial pressure on long-term contracts. Emerging grid-scale batteries and hydropower further reduce gas plant operating hours, prompting Pakistan to offload LNG cargoes to avoid financial liabilities. This development is not isolated but indicative of a broader regional trend challenging the traditional LNG demand model that assumes continuous growth in Asia. Several South and Southeast Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, and Vietnam, have canceled or paused LNG
energyLNGrenewable-energysolar-powerbattery-storageenergy-transitionnatural-gasSolar Power And Storage Win Slots In New 11-GW Energy Island
Project Matador is a large-scale energy initiative underway in Texas, aiming to create an 11-gigawatt energy island to support domestic AI capacity with a dedicated gigascale grid. The project is notable for its emphasis on solar power and energy storage, alongside nuclear and natural gas plants, while deliberately excluding coal power. This exclusion is significant given the recent political push to revive the US coal industry, particularly under former President Trump. However, coal is absent from Project Matador, reflecting the backgrounds and priorities of its key founders, including former Texas Governor and Energy Secretary Rick Perry and billionaire energy investor Toby Neugebauer, whose ventures focus more on oil, gas, and diversified energy portfolios rather than coal. Fermi America, the startup behind Project Matador, highlights onsite gas, nuclear, solar, and energy storage facilities, with no mention of coal or wind power. The omission of wind aligns with the Trump administration’s stance, which has been critical of the wind industry despite its importance to the
energysolar-powerenergy-storagenuclear-powernatural-gasclean-energyenergy-infrastructureHawaii’s LNG Detour: Why A Fossil Bridge Arriving In The 2030s Makes No Sense - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses Hawaii’s reconsideration of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a transitional fuel to move away from heavy oil dependence toward a renewable energy future. Hawaii currently relies heavily on oil, especially on Oahu, where most electricity generation comes from residual fuel oil and diesel, resulting in high costs and significant pollution. LNG is seen by some as a cleaner and potentially cheaper alternative that could provide reliable, dispatchable power while the state expands its wind, solar, and battery capacity. Proponents argue LNG could reduce harmful emissions like sulfur dioxide and particulates compared to oil and offer more operational flexibility. However, the article highlights significant concerns about LNG’s suitability as a "bridge" fuel. The infrastructure costs for LNG are substantial, with estimates exceeding $1 billion for floating storage, pipelines, and new gas plants. These investments would need to be recovered before Hawaii’s 2045 goal of 100% renewable electricity, or else risk becoming stranded assets. Moreover, the
energyLNGrenewable-energyelectricity-generationHawaii-energy-policynatural-gaspower-infrastructureCalifornia Natural Gas Use for Electricity Falls as Solar Generation Rises - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a significant shift in California's electricity generation mix, with natural gas use declining as solar power generation rises. Between January and August 2025, California generated 140.9 billion kilowatt-hours (BkWh) of electricity, an 8% increase from the same period in 2020. Solar generation nearly doubled during this timeframe, reaching 40.3 BkWh compared to 22.0 BkWh in 2020, and increased by 17% from 2024 to 2025 alone. Conversely, natural gas generation fell by 18% over the same five-year span, supplying 45.5 BkWh in early 2025. The article notes that natural gas output can spike during low-water years when hydroelectric power is reduced, as seen in 2021. The data also reveal a daily pattern where natural gas generation decreases during midday hours when solar output peaks, particularly between noon and 5 p.m.
energysolar-powernatural-gaselectricity-generationrenewable-energybattery-storageCalifornia-energy-marketRising data center electricity use risks blackouts during winter storms
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) warns that the rapid growth of data centers is significantly increasing electricity demand this winter, raising risks of grid instability and potential blackouts during severe weather events. Electricity demand across North America is expected to rise by 2.5% compared to last year, with data centers in regions such as the mid-Atlantic, U.S. West, and Southeast driving much of this increase. Texas, in particular, faces heightened risk due to ongoing data center expansion, which compounds challenges from past cold snaps when natural gas supply was constrained and demand surged. While Texas has bolstered its grid resilience by adding battery storage systems capable of quickly responding to short-term demand spikes, these batteries typically provide power for only a few hours. This limitation poses challenges during prolonged cold spells, as data centers consume electricity steadily throughout the day, making it difficult to maintain battery charge levels sufficient to support all users. NERC notes that if no major storms occur this winter, grid operations should remain
energydata-centerselectricity-gridbattery-storagepower-demandnatural-gasrenewable-energyNew projects will build up Canada’s clean economy, but LNG exposure invites unnecessary risk - Clean Energy Canada
Rachel Doran, executive director of Clean Energy Canada, responded to the federal government’s announcement on national interest projects by highlighting a positive shift toward clean economy initiatives. Of the 11 projects designated, eight focus on clean economy sectors—five in critical minerals and three in clean energy and transmission—while only two involve fossil fuels. Doran emphasized that global energy employment growth is driven almost entirely by clean energy, with many countries adopting net-zero commitments, carbon pricing, and policies favoring electrification, such as domestic EV requirements and carbon border adjustments. However, Doran cautioned against the government’s support for new liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, citing the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) outlook that LNG supply is outpacing demand, which is expected to lead to falling prices and potential stranded assets by 2030. She warned that investing in LNG could burden Canadian taxpayers with subsidies for unprofitable projects, lost jobs, and unrealized revenues. Instead, Doran
clean-energyLNGcritical-mineralselectrificationenergy-policyclean-economynatural-gasRising energy prices put AI and data centers in the crosshairs
The article highlights growing consumer concerns that the rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers is contributing to rising electricity prices in the United States. Data centers currently consume about 4% of U.S. electricity—more than double their share from 2018—and this is expected to increase to between 6.7% and 12% by 2028. While electricity demand overall had been stable for over a decade, the surge in data center energy use is notable. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind have helped meet rising demand, favored by tech companies for their low cost and quick deployment. However, the future growth of renewables is threatened by potential political actions, such as a predicted Republican repeal of key parts of the Inflation Reduction Act. Meanwhile, natural gas, another preferred energy source for data centers, is facing supply challenges. Although production has increased, much of the new supply is being exported rather than used domestically. New natural gas power plants face long construction times and equipment backlogs, delaying
energydata-centersAIrenewable-energysolar-powernatural-gaselectricity-consumptionArbor’s ‘vegetarian rocket engine’ power plant is actually an omnivore
Arbor Energy, founded by former SpaceX engineers, initially developed a power plant technology that burned plant waste to capture atmospheric CO2, dubbing it a “vegetarian rocket engine” for the grid. Recently, the company raised $55 million in a Series A funding round led by Lowercarbon Capital and Voyager Ventures, coinciding with a strategic pivot to an “omnivore” model. This new approach enables the power plant to burn both biomass and natural gas, addressing the growing electricity demand from data centers and the limited availability of biomass feedstock. Arbor’s technology uses oxy-combustion to convert hydrocarbons into syngas and then burns it with pure oxygen, producing CO2 that is easier to capture and sequester. The company plans to leverage tax credits to make carbon storage more cost-effective and will only license its technology to entities committed to carbon capture or sequestration. Despite the shift to include natural gas, Arbor is mindful of methane’s potent greenhouse effect, as leaks in the
energycarbon-capturebiomass-powernatural-gasoxy-combustionclean-energyclimate-technologyElectricity Use Is Becoming More Common For Residential Heating In USA - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a growing trend in the United States toward using electricity as the primary fuel for residential space heating. According to 2024 U.S. Census Bureau data, 42% of U.S. households now rely on electricity for heating, while natural gas remains the most common heating fuel at 47%, down from 49% in 2010. This shift is influenced by demographic changes, with population growth moving toward warmer western and southern regions where heating demand is lower, as well as evolving technology and policy factors. Homes in warmer climates tend to use electricity or no heating fuel at all, whereas colder regions still rely more on propane, heating oil, and wood. Policy changes and technological advancements have also played a significant role in this transition. Several state and local governments have implemented restrictions on natural gas in new residential construction or retrofits, motivated by concerns about indoor air quality and environmental impact, although some of these policies face legal challenges. Improvements in electric heating technologies, such
energyresidential-heatingelectricity-usenatural-gasenergy-consumptionheating-technologyhome-energy-trendsRussia's Natural Gas Exports to Europe Have Dropped a Ton, But ... - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the significant decline in Europe’s imports of Russian natural gas and coal over recent years, highlighting data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Between 2021 and 2023, Europe reduced its natural gas imports from Russia by about two-thirds, now purchasing roughly one-third of the volume it previously did, excluding imports through Turkiye and Belarus. Despite this substantial reduction, Europe continues to buy some fossil gas from Russia, indicating challenges in fully weaning off Russian energy supplies. Meanwhile, Russia has redirected much of its natural gas exports to China, which has increased its purchases regardless of the geopolitical situation involving Ukraine. Regarding coal, Europe has nearly ceased buying Russian coal, except for Turkiye, which has actually increased its coal imports from Russia in 2023 and 2024. China and India have also ramped up their coal purchases from Russia. The article underscores the geopolitical and ethical complexities tied to fossil fuel dependencies and advocates for a rapid transition
energynatural-gasfossil-fuelsrenewable-energyEurope-energy-importsLNGenergy-transitionPer Capita Energy-Related CO2 Emissions Decreased in Every US State between 2005 & 2023 - CleanTechnica
Between 2005 and 2023, every U.S. state experienced a decrease in per capita CO2 emissions from primary energy consumption, contributing to a nationwide 20% reduction in energy-related CO2 emissions. This decline is primarily attributed to a shift in electricity generation from coal to natural gas—which emits about half the CO2 of coal—and increased use of non-emitting renewable sources like wind and solar. Maryland led the nation with a 49% reduction in per capita emissions, driven by a 74% reduction in total CO2 emissions due to coal retirement and renewable energy adoption, alongside population growth. The District of Columbia recorded the lowest per capita emissions at 3.6 metric tons CO2 in 2023. Sectoral shifts also played a significant role: by 2023, the transportation sector became the largest source of CO2 emissions in half of the states, overtaking the electric power sector in many cases due to reduced coal use and relatively stable petroleum consumption for transport. Coastal
energyCO2-emissionsrenewable-energynatural-gascoal-reductionelectricity-generationtransportation-emissionsFossil Demand Decline In India & China Puts Canadian LNG At Risk - CleanTechnica
The article highlights a significant shift in energy demand patterns in India and China that poses risks to Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. In India, the first half of 2025 saw a marked decline in fossil fuel-based electricity generation, with coal and gas-fired power dropping as renewable sources—particularly wind and solar—surged. Wind power grew by nearly a third year-over-year, and solar generation increased by about 25%, pushing the share of fossil fuels in India’s power mix below 70% for the first time in June. This transition is driven by economic factors: expensive and volatile LNG imports, limited domestic gas production, and cheaper coal and renewables have led to a 34% drop in gas-fired electricity generation. Consequently, India’s anticipated LNG demand growth has stalled, with LNG cargoes declining significantly. China is undergoing a parallel but distinct transformation. While its total electricity demand continues to rise, coal’s dominance is eroding both relatively and absolutely due to massive
energyrenewable-energyLNGsolar-powerwind-powercoal-displacementnatural-gasChina achieves 99.99997% helium purity using natural gas feedstock
China has developed a groundbreaking helium extraction device capable of producing ultra-pure helium at 99.99997% purity (6N9 grade) from natural gas fields with very low helium content. Created by Yan’an-based Vacree Technologies after six years of research led by scientist Rong Chengxu, the system employs a multi-step process combining catalytic dehydrogenation, membrane separation, pressure swing adsorption, and ultra-low-temperature refining to remove impurities such as hydrogen, nitrogen, methane, and neon. This innovation allows continuous production of up to 400,000 cubic meters of helium annually and represents a significant technological leap, as achieving such purity levels has been a major challenge worldwide, especially given China’s natural gas helium concentrations of only 0.03 to 0.05 percent compared to 1 to 7 percent in international fields. The advancement addresses both scientific and strategic needs, securing China’s supply of helium critical for applications in particle accelerators, MRI machines, semiconductor manufacturing, spaceflight, and
energyhelium-extractionnatural-gascryogenic-technologyvacuum-technologysemiconductor-materialsstrategic-resourcesGas power plants approved for Meta’s $10B data center, and not everyone is happy
Meta has received approval from a Louisiana state regulator for Entergy’s plan to build three large natural gas power plants to supply electricity to Meta’s $10 billion AI data center in the state. These plants, expected to be operational by 2028 and 2029, will generate a combined 2.25 gigawatts of power, with the data center’s total demand potentially reaching 5 gigawatts as it expands. The approval has sparked controversy among local residents and groups, who worry about potential special treatment for Meta and Entergy, especially concerning a related 1.5-gigawatt solar power project across Louisiana. Additionally, concerns were raised about the 15-year contract’s long-term financial impact on ratepayers, given that natural gas plants typically operate for 30 years or more and large-scale power projects often exceed budgets. While Meta has been actively purchasing renewable energy, the reliance on new natural gas plants complicates its 2030 net-zero carbon emissions goal by locking in
energynatural-gaspower-plantsrenewable-energycarbon-emissionsdata-centerssustainabilityOnshore Crude Oil Production on Federal Lands Has Increased in Recent Years - CleanTechnica
Onshore crude oil production on federal lands in the United States has seen significant growth in recent years, reaching a record high of 1.7 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2024. This increase is largely driven by expanded drilling activity, particularly in New Mexico, where multiyear rises in leases, drilling permits, and well bore starts have contributed substantially. While total U.S. crude oil production nearly tripled from 5.0 million b/d in 2008 to 13.2 million b/d in 2024, production from federal onshore lands grew at an even faster pace, increasing sixfold since 2008. Offshore federal lands also contribute notably, with 1.8 million b/d in 2024, slightly surpassing onshore federal production but growing at a slower rate. Natural gas production on federal onshore lands has also increased, rising from 3.2 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) in 2020 to 4.
energycrude-oil-productionnatural-gasfederal-landsdrilling-activityU.S.-Energy-Information-Administrationoil-and-gas-industryWhy Dispo’s co-founder made the leap from social media to steelmaking
Daniel Liss, co-founder of the social network Dispo and the dating app Teaser AI, has shifted his focus from social media to steelmaking, driven by concerns about U.S. supply chain vulnerabilities highlighted during a National War College war game exercise. The exercise underscored the lack of domestic shipbuilding capacity and steel production critical for national defense, inspiring Liss to found Nemo Industries. Nemo aims to modernize the outdated steel industry by using AI to optimize pig iron production, moving beyond traditional, manual methods. Unlike typical industrial software firms, Nemo plans to build and operate its own furnaces, leveraging AI from the ground up to gain a significant margin advantage. Nemo’s approach includes using natural gas-fired furnaces, which emit less carbon dioxide than the coal commonly used in steelmaking, and exploring carbon capture technologies supported by tax incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act. Liss’s partner, Michael DuBose, brings expertise from the natural gas sector, which is critical for scaling operations.
steelmakingAI-optimizationindustrial-automationenergy-efficiencynatural-gascarbon-capturesupply-chain-managementUS & Canada Will Drown Us All In A Sea Of Methane - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a growing contradiction between the promotion of renewable energy and the continued aggressive expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure in North America, particularly in the US and Canada. Despite the global push for decarbonization, Canada’s new government under Prime Minister Mark Carney is fast-tracking infrastructure projects through Bill C-5, prioritizing economic growth by expanding natural resource extraction, especially methane gas from the vast Montney Formation in British Columbia and Alberta. The legislation aims to bypass regulatory hurdles, Indigenous objections, and local opposition to accelerate drilling and export of methane, primarily targeting Asian markets. This move is partly driven by a desire to assert economic independence from the US, which has shown less interest in Canadian resources. However, this strategy poses significant environmental risks. The Montney Formation alone holds an estimated 449 trillion cubic feet of methane, and plans to increase wells from about 14,000 to 32,000 threaten to undermine Canada’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris
energymethanenatural-gasrenewable-energyfossil-fuelsenvironmental-policyinfrastructure-projectsWhy Is Big Oil Curricula Finding Acceptance In Educational Settings? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the growing presence and acceptance of Big Oil-funded curricula in educational settings, focusing on the example of Equinor, a Norwegian oil company sponsoring STEM classrooms called Newton Rooms in the Shetland Islands, UK. While these initiatives aim to promote STEM education and engage youth in science and technology, they are also viewed as strategic moves by oil companies to protect their business interests and shape public perception. Equinor has invested heavily in sponsorships across educational institutions and programs, including scholarships, research, and interactive games designed to influence children’s understanding of energy, often downplaying the environmental impact of fossil fuels. Critics, including local politicians like Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess, express concern over the influence that fossil fuel companies have on educational content, arguing that it risks presenting a biased narrative that favors the industry’s image rather than providing a full and truthful account of climate change. The article highlights tensions around Equinor’s ongoing oil and gas projects, such as the controversial Rosebank
energyoil-industrySTEM-educationnet-zerodecarbonizationnatural-gasrenewable-energy-transitionTrump and the Energy Industry Are Eager to Power AI With Fossil Fuels
The article discusses the growing intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) development and the fossil fuel energy industry, highlighting the Trump administration’s enthusiasm for powering AI infrastructure primarily with natural gas and other fossil fuels. At the Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh, President Trump emphasized the massive increase in electricity demand AI will require—potentially doubling current capacity—and underscored the importance of fossil fuels in meeting this demand. The summit featured major industry figures, including ExxonMobil’s CEO and AI leaders from companies like Anthropic and Google, and announced $92 billion in investments across AI and energy ventures. Notably, Meta’s upcoming AI data center in Ohio will rely on onsite natural gas generation, illustrating the tech sector’s pragmatic approach to energy sourcing. Pennsylvania’s role as a key natural gas producer, due to its Marcellus and Utica shale formations, was central to the summit’s location and discussions. The natural gas industry, which has faced oversupply and infrastructure challenges, views AI-driven energy demand as a
energyartificial-intelligencefossil-fuelsnatural-gasdata-centersenergy-infrastructureAI-investmentElectricity Demand in the Eastern United States Surged from Heat Wave - CleanTechnica
A significant heat wave across the Eastern United States in late June 2025 caused electricity demand to surge to multiyear highs in two major regional grids. On June 23, the PJM Interconnection, the largest wholesale electricity market covering 13 states and D.C., reached a peak load of 160,560 MW between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., approaching but not surpassing its 2006 record of 165,563 MW. This demand spike drove real-time wholesale electricity prices to a peak of $1,334/MWh at 7:00 p.m., a sharp increase from $52/MWh a week earlier. Generation during this peak was primarily from natural gas (44%), nuclear (20%), and coal (19%), with solar contributing 6%. Notably, petroleum-based generation tripled compared to the previous day, reflecting its use as a costly but necessary resource during extreme demand. The following day, June 24, the ISO New England
energyelectricity-demandpower-gridrenewable-energynatural-gassolar-powerenergy-pricesUS to launch world’s largest power project using nuclear, solar, gas
Fermi America, a Texas-based energy company co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary and Texas Governor Rick Perry, has announced plans to build the world’s largest energy and data campus, called the “Hypergrid,” near the DOE’s Pantex nuclear weapons plant in Amarillo, Texas. Covering 5,800 acres, the facility will integrate multiple energy sources—nuclear, natural gas, solar, and wind—to power 18 million square feet of AI data centers with up to 11 gigawatts of IT capacity, sufficient to supply electricity to over 8.2 million homes. The project is launched in partnership with the Texas Tech University System and aims to address the growing U.S. demand for AI infrastructure while enhancing national energy security. The Hypergrid project is positioned as a strategic response to global energy competition, particularly highlighting the U.S. lagging behind China in nuclear reactor development. The site’s proximity to the Pantex DOE facility and major natural gas fields underscores
energynuclear-powersolar-energynatural-gasAI-data-centersenergy-infrastructurerenewable-energyRenewables as a Bridge to Gas? America's Energy Logic Goes Backwards - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a controversial statement made by John Ketchum, CEO of NextEra Energy, at the Politico Energy Summit in June 2025, where he suggested that renewables like wind, solar, and storage should be viewed as a temporary "bridge" to expanding natural gas generation. This reverses the long-standing narrative that natural gas is a bridge fuel toward a renewable future. Ketchum’s argument centers on the urgent need for new electricity capacity in the near term, driven by rising demand from AI data centers, electric vehicles, and broader electrification. He emphasized that renewables are currently the only energy sources deployable quickly enough to prevent reliability crises, whereas new gas infrastructure faces significant delays. The delays in gas turbine deployment—often five to seven years—stem from manufacturing backlogs caused by limited production capacity, aging infrastructure, supply chain disruptions, and workforce shortages, rather than surging global demand. This bottleneck is partly a consequence of the market’s long-term shift away from
energyrenewable-energynatural-gassolar-powerwind-energyenergy-storageelectricity-demandBillions In Subsidies Flow To LNG Canada As Kitimat Terminal Nears Launch - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the extensive public subsidies and fiscal incentives underpinning the launch of LNG Canada’s Phase 1 liquefied natural gas terminal in Kitimat, a project initially valued at around C$17–18 billion. Federal, provincial, municipal, and international support has played a critical role in reducing the project's capital costs. Notably, the federal government contributed approximately C$275 million in direct grants, including C$220 million from the Strategic Innovation Fund for advanced gas turbines and C$55 million for infrastructure upgrades like the Haisla Bridge. Beyond direct funding, significant hidden subsidies have been provided through tax exemptions and tariff waivers, such as the roughly C$1 billion exemption on import duties for fabricated steel modules sourced primarily from Asia, which substantially lowered construction costs. The article also contrasts the political reactions to LNG Canada’s reliance on large-scale imports from China with the contentious debate over British Columbia’s decision to commission hybrid ferries from Chinese shipyards. While the ferry contracts sparked vocal partisan criticism
energyLNGsubsidiesnatural-gasinfrastructurefossil-fuelsCanadaMethane Pollution Has Cheap, Effective Solutions That Aren’t Being Used
The article highlights methane as a potent greenhouse gas that, despite being odorless and colorless, significantly contributes to global warming—trapping up to 84 times more heat than carbon dioxide over a short timeframe. Methane emissions, largely driven by human activities such as energy production and cattle farming, account for nearly a third of the global temperature increase since the Industrial Revolution. Recognizing its impact, over 100 countries pledged in 2021 to reduce methane emissions by at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030. However, major emitters like Russia and China have not committed, and global methane emissions from energy production continue to rise, partly due to inadequate measurement and reporting. The article also underscores the challenges in tracking methane emissions accurately, as measurement-based data is scarce and emissions often go underreported. Methane leaks occur throughout the natural gas lifecycle—from drilling and transportation to consumption—and from coal mining, which releases even more methane than natural gas production. Despite the availability of low
energymethane-emissionsclimate-changenatural-gasfossil-fuelsenvironmental-monitoringemission-reductionU.S. Primary Energy Production, Consumption, and Exports Increased in 2024 - CleanTechnica
In 2024, the United States continued to produce more energy than it consumed, reaching a record high primary energy production of 30.9 quadrillion British thermal units (quads), a 4% increase from 2023. Energy consumption remained steady at 21.7 quads, resulting in the highest net energy exports on record at 9.3 quads. Total U.S. energy consumption was 94.2 quads, still below the peak of 99.0 quads set in 2007. Notably, renewable energy consumption rose by 5% to 8.6 quads, driven by biofuels, wind, and solar, while coal consumption fell to a historic low of 7.9 quads. Record production was achieved across multiple energy sources, including natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas plant liquids, contributing to a total U.S. energy production of 103.3 quads—the third consecutive year of record-breaking output
energyenergy-productionenergy-consumptionrenewable-energynatural-gascrude-oilenergy-exportsLNG Canada’s True Cost: 2.2 Billion Tons Of CO₂e Over 50 Years - CleanTechnica
LNG Canada, a large liquefied natural gas facility in Kitimat, British Columbia, is nearing full operation and represents a significant development in Canada's energy and climate landscape. The project, led by Shell with international partners, aims to export 14 million tons of LNG annually, sourced from British Columbia’s Montney Formation and transported via the 670-kilometer Coastal GasLink pipeline. While LNG Canada incorporates efficiency measures such as using hydroelectric power for part of its liquefaction energy and employing high-efficiency turbines, the overall LNG supply chain remains energy-intensive and emits substantial greenhouse gases. The facility primarily serves Asian markets, with shorter shipping routes compared to U.S. Gulf Coast LNG exports, which somewhat reduces transit emissions. Despite these efficiencies, the full LNG supply chain experiences significant energy losses—about 66% of the original energy content is lost from extraction through to electricity generation. This includes losses during gas transmission, liquefaction, marine transport, regasification, and power generation,
energyLNGnatural-gasemissionshydroelectricitygas-turbinesenergy-efficiencyxAI is facing a lawsuit for operating over 400 MW of gas turbines without permits
xAI’s Colossus data center near Memphis is facing a lawsuit from the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), acting on behalf of the NAACP, for operating over 400 megawatts of natural gas turbines without the required preconstruction or operating air pollution permits. SELC alleges that xAI installed and ran at least 35 combustion turbines over the past year without regulatory approval, violating the Clean Air Act. These turbines have the potential to emit over 2,000 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) annually, pollutants that contribute to smog and exacerbate respiratory issues. Memphis already struggles with poor air quality and high asthma rates, making the unpermitted emissions a significant public health concern. Despite local health authorities initially claiming the turbines were exempt from permitting, SELC’s investigation—including aerial and thermal imaging—confirmed extensive turbine operation without proper permits or pollution controls. Although some turbines have been removed recently, around 26 remain operational, maintaining a generating capacity near 407 megawat
energygas-turbinesair-pollutionClean-Air-Actnatural-gasemissionsdata-center-energy-useHelium & Hot Air: Saskatchewan’s Greenwashing Sustainability Claims - CleanTechnica
The article critiques Saskatchewan’s government for promoting misleading sustainability claims, particularly highlighting an ad campaign that touts the province as a leader in environmental stewardship. A key example is the province’s helium production being equated to planting billions of trees. While Saskatchewan’s helium extraction produces relatively low greenhouse gas emissions compared to global standards—due to a unique geological occurrence where helium is found alongside nitrogen rather than methane—this advantage is a matter of geological luck rather than deliberate environmental policy. The province is essentially marketing this natural quirk as a conscious sustainability achievement, despite continuing significant emissions from oil and gas extraction, which accounts for about 30% of its greenhouse gases. The article further contextualizes Saskatchewan’s overall environmental impact, noting that it remains one of Canada’s highest per-capita emitters of greenhouse gases, with roughly 74 million tons of CO2 equivalent emitted in 2023—about six times the per-capita emissions of Ontario or Quebec. Besides oil and gas, major emission sources include coal and natural
energyhelium-extractionsustainabilitygreenhouse-gas-emissionsmethane-emissionsnatural-gasenvironmental-policyOntario’s first Integrated Energy Plan builds on progress while failing to address security and affordability concerns of natural gas - Clean Energy Canada
Ontario’s first Integrated Energy Plan, released recently, advances the province’s leadership in modernizing its electricity system by emphasizing distributed energy resources (such as battery storage, rooftop solar, and smart EV charging) and energy efficiency. These initiatives are seen as positive steps that can help address cost-of-living challenges and serve as a model for other Canadian jurisdictions. The plan also initiates an integrated energy planning process, which is a significant development for the province’s energy strategy. However, the plan has notable shortcomings, particularly regarding natural gas. While it sets broad goals around affordability, security, reliability, and clean energy, it lacks specific targets or metrics to measure progress. Independent modeling accompanying the plan highlights risks associated with continued reliance on natural gas, especially for household energy affordability. Contrary to these findings, the plan proposes expanding natural gas use in electricity and distribution systems, which could undermine potential consumer savings from electrification and clean technologies. Thus, despite the plan’s strengths, significant concerns remain about its ability to meet
energyintegrated-energy-planclean-energynatural-gaselectricity-system-modernizationenergy-efficiencydistributed-energy-resourcesBenzene: The Toxic Chemical in Both Gas Stoves & Cigarette Smoke - CleanTechnica
A 2023 study published in Environmental Science and Technology revealed that gas stoves emit benzene, a known carcinogen, at levels often exceeding those found in secondhand cigarette smoke. Benzene, recognized as a cancer-causing chemical by the IARC and EPA, can linger indoors for hours after cooking with gas stoves, posing significant health risks. In contrast, induction stoves produce no detectable benzene, and electric coil stoves emit minimal amounts. The study compared air quality in homes using gas versus electric stoves across California and Colorado, highlighting the dangers of indoor natural gas combustion. Further research from Stanford University in 2025 emphasized the heightened cancer risk for children exposed to benzene from gas stoves, especially in poorly ventilated homes. Benzene accumulates not only in kitchens but also spreads to bedrooms and living areas, increasing lifetime cancer risk nearly twofold for children. To mitigate exposure, experts recommend switching to electric or induction stoves, ensuring proper ventilation by opening windows during cooking
energynatural-gasindoor-air-qualitybenzenegas-stovesair-pollutionhealth-risksThe US Produced More Energy than Ever Before in 2024 - CleanTechnica
In 2024, the United States achieved a record high in total energy production, surpassing 103 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu), marking a 1% increase over the previous record set in 2023. Key contributors to this growth included natural gas, crude oil, natural gas plant liquids (NGPL), biofuels, solar, and wind energy, each setting new domestic production records. Natural gas remained the largest source of U.S. energy since 2011, accounting for nearly 38 trillion cubic feet in 2024, consistent with 2023 levels. Crude oil production also hit a record, increasing by 2%, primarily driven by output from the Permian Basin in New Mexico and Texas. Conversely, coal production declined to its lowest annual output since 1964, reflecting a long-term decrease since coal was the dominant energy source from 1984 through 2010. NGPLs, which include fuels like ethane and propane associated with natural gas, accounted for about 9% of total U.S. energy production and rose 7% from 2023, continuing a growth trend since 2005. Renewable energy sources such as biofuels, wind, and solar also set production records, contributing to the overall energy increase. Notably, biofuel production, including sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), reached 1.4 million barrels per day, a 6% rise from the previous year. The article highlights that while some traditional energy sources used primarily for electricity generation have peaked decades ago, the U.S. continues to diversify its energy mix with increasing contributions from renewables and cleaner fuels. The data referenced in the article comes from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and uses standardized energy units (Btu) to compare different energy types. The report underscores the ongoing transition in U.S. energy production, with fossil fuels like natural gas and oil still dominant but renewable and alternative energy sources growing rapidly. The article also encourages readers to engage with CleanTechnica’s content for further analysis and updates on energy trends.
energyrenewable-energyUS-energy-productionnatural-gascrude-oilbiofuelssolar-powerWorld's widest burning gas crater is finally starting to die out
The Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the "Door to Hell," is a massive natural gas fire in Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert that has been burning continuously since 1971. It originated when Soviet geologists accidentally drilled into an underground gas pocket and ignited it intentionally to prevent the release of toxic gases. Expected to burn out within weeks, the crater's flames have persisted for over 54 years, consuming millions of cubic meters of natural gas annually. The crater measures approximately 230 feet wide and 100 feet deep, with temperatures exceeding 1,832°F (1,000°C), and has become a notable tourist attraction drawing over 10,000 visitors each year. Recent reports from Turkmengaz, Turkmenistan’s state gas company, indicate that the crater's flames have significantly weakened as most of the flammable gas has been depleted. At a scientific conference in Ashgabat in June 2025, researchers revealed that the fire’s intensity has dropped to about a third of its original size, with flames now only visible up close rather than from miles away. Efforts to contain methane emissions by drilling wells around the site have contributed to this decline. This development may finally address long-standing concerns about the loss of valuable natural gas and environmental impacts, marking a potential end to one of the world's longest-burning gas fires.
energynatural-gasmethanegas-craterhydrocarbon-developmentemissions-reductionenergy-transitionTrump administration to claw back $3.7B in clean energy and manufacturing awards
energyclean-energymanufacturinglow-carbon-materialscritical-mineralscement-productionnatural-gasEmpire Offshore Wind Project Back On, Pipeline Still Mothballed
energyoffshore-windrenewable-energyinfrastructurenatural-gasenvironmental-policyenergy-transitionCơ chế cho nguồn điện sử dụng khí trong nước và LNG nhập khẩu Nghị định 100 2025
energynatural-gaselectricity-generationrenewable-energypower-systemsenergy-policythermal-powerQuy định chi tiết về cơ chế cho các dự án điện sử dụng khí trong nước và LNG nhập khẩu
energynatural-gaselectricity-generationrenewable-energyenergy-policythermal-powerenergy-regulation