Natural gas is one of the most versatile energy sources today. From this resource, various derivative products are produced, such as LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), each playing an important role across power generation, industry, and even household applications.
But what exactly makes natural gas so flexible and valuable? The answer lies in its chemical composition and hydrocarbon structure.
How Is Natural Gas Formed?
The formation of natural gas is a lengthy chemical and geological process, similar to that of crude oil. It originates from the remains of marine organisms that died and were buried under layers of mud, sand, and rock on the seabed.
Over millions of years, these sedimentary layers accumulated, generating intense pressure and heat. This combination transformed the organic material into hydrocarbons.
The lighter natural gas then migrated upward through porous rock layers and became trapped beneath impermeable rock, often sitting above crude oil reservoirs.
Read More: A Deep Dive into Petroleum, Types and Processing
What Are the Main Components of Natural Gas?
The primary component of natural gas is methane, but it also contains other gases in smaller proportions. Below are its main and minor components:
Major Components
Natural gas consists of short-chain hydrocarbons that determine its energy value and combustion characteristics:
- Methane (CH₄): The dominant component, making up about 70–95% of total volume.
- Ethane (C₂H₆): The second most abundant hydrocarbon, mainly used as a petrochemical feedstock.
- Propane (C₃H₈) and Butane (C₄H₁₀): Together known as the building blocks of LPG.
- Pentane (C₅H₁₂): Also called natural gasoline, it is used as a blending agent for gasoline or as a chemical industry feedstock.
Minor Components
Aside from hydrocarbons, natural gas also contains small amounts of non-hydrocarbon compounds that must be removed because they lower gas quality, cause corrosion, or harm the environment:
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂): Has no calorific value and reduces overall energy content.
- Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S): Highly toxic and corrosive, removed through acid gas treatment.
- Nitrogen (N₂): An inert gas that lowers the energy density of natural gas.
- Water vapor (H₂O): Must be removed to prevent hydrate formation that can block pipelines and damage cryogenic systems.
Removing these impurities is crucial to maintain heating value, prevent equipment damage, and ensure compliance with international gas quality standards.
Read More: The Benefits of Alternative Energy Over Fossil Fuels
What Are the Main Products Derived from Natural Gas?
The products obtained from natural gas processing vary depending on raw gas composition and processing objectives. Below are the major ones:
LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)
LNG is natural gas that has been liquefied to simplify storage and long-distance transportation. It typically contains around 90% methane and is cooled to about −163°C at atmospheric pressure, reducing its volume by a factor of 600.
LNG is widely used in industrial applications, power generation, transportation, and international energy trade.
Read More: What’s the Difference Between LPG and LNG?
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)
LPG is a liquefied fuel composed mainly of propane and butane. It is stored under moderate pressure, making it easier to transport and handle compared to LNG.
LPG is widely used for household cooking, heating, industrial processes, and as a fuel for gas-powered engines.
NGL (Natural Gas Liquids)
NGLs are hydrocarbon liquids separated from the natural gas stream during processing. The main components include ethane, propane, butane, isobutane, and pentane.
These liquids serve as essential feedstocks for the petrochemical industry, household and industrial fuels, and as gasoline blending components.
Read More: The Truth Behind Biogas, Sustainable Energy or Hidden Risk?
The Role of LNG in Modern Energy Systems
As one of the main products derived from natural gas, LNG plays a strategic role in addressing both present and future energy challenges.
Transportation and Distribution
LNG overcomes logistical challenges associated with conventional natural gas, especially transportation and distribution.
It allows energy supply to reach regions without pipeline networks, including remote power plants, small port LNG terminals, and onshore storage facilities serving industrial and marine sectors.
Read More: 5 Industries That Have Moved On to LNG
LNG in the Energy Transition
Natural gas in the form of LNG is essential for reducing emissions and accelerating the transition toward cleaner energy. LNG produces around 40–60% less CO₂ than coal and emits fewer air pollutants, contributing to improved air quality.
When integrated with renewables, LNG serves as a reliable dispatchable power source that ensures a stable energy supply.
Natural gas is a geological treasure that, through technologies like liquefaction, can be transformed into high-value products such as LNG, LPG, and NGL. In the context of modern energy, LNG is not just a fuel but a logistical enabler that ensures cleaner, more integrated, and sustainable global energy access.
References:
- EIA. Accessed 2025. Natural Gas Explained.
- ESDM. Accessed 2025. Mengenal Jenis-Jenis Gas Bumi.
- U.S. Department of Energy. Accessed 2025. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
