The use of coal remains difficult to avoid, as many countries around the world still depend on it to meet electricity and industrial needs.
However, despite its vital role as the backbone of the energy sector, coal is also the largest contributor to air pollution and carbon emissions, which worsen global warming.
As a response to this challenge, Natural Gas Fuel has gained attention as a cleaner alternative to reduce dependence on coal.
But does switching to gas really help curb pollution, or is it just another fossil fuel with similar problems? Let’s uncover the facts.
What Is Natural Gas Fuel?
Natural Gas Fuel refers to alternative energy derived from natural gas or organic sources, designed to replace solid and liquid fossil fuels.
It is versatile and widely used across sectors, from transportation to industry and households.
The most common types include:
- CNG (Compressed Natural Gas): Highly compressed natural gas, typically used for vehicles and small industries.
- LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas): A mixture of propane and butane, mainly used for cooking and heating.
- LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas): Natural gas cooled into liquid form for easier storage and transport.
- Biogas: Gas produced from the decomposition of organic materials such as agricultural or household waste.
With its clean, efficient, and adaptable characteristics, natural gas plays a crucial role in the transition toward a low-carbon energy system, while strengthening national energy security.
Read More: The Truth Behind Biogas, Sustainable Energy or Hidden Risk?
Can Natural Gas Really Reduce Coal Pollution?
Yes. Switching to natural gas can significantly reduce pollution levels generated by coal-fired power plants.
Natural gas, which primarily consists of methane (CH₄), has a much cleaner chemical composition than coal.
Why Is Gas Cleaner?
Here are some scientific reasons why natural gas burns cleaner than coal:
- Lower carbon emissions: Produces roughly 40–50% less CO₂ per unit of energy compared to coal.
- Virtually sulfur-free: Does not produce sulfur oxides (SOₓ), the main cause of acid rain.
- Fewer harmful pollutants: Emits less fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ash, and solid residues, improving air quality.
- Meets global environmental standards: Recognized as a transitional fuel to help industries and power plants lower emissions.
Why Is Coal Dirtier?
Coal is one of the most carbon-intensive energy sources in the world. According to Greenpeace, coal combustion accounts for around 44% of total global CO₂ emissions, making it the leading driver of climate change.
In addition to high carbon emissions, burning coal also releases other harmful pollutants such as:
- Sulfur dioxide (SOₓ): Causes acid rain.
- Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ): Contribute to smog and respiratory irritation.
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5): Increases the risk of lung and heart disease.
Read More: Why Biogas Can Save Energy, Here’s the Real Fact!
What Are the Other Advantages of Natural Gas?
Besides environmental benefits, natural gas offers operational and economic advantages that support large-scale adoption.
Energy Efficiency
Natural gas excels in thermal efficiency. Combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants reuse exhaust heat from gas turbines to drive additional steam turbines, significantly improving efficiency.
According to IPIECA, the efficiency of natural gas–fueled combined-cycle turbines can reach 33–43% under high loads.
Availability and Flexibility
Natural gas is highly versatile and can be utilized across multiple sectors:
- Industry: Feedstock for plastics, fertilizers, and petrochemicals.
- Transportation: Fuel for CNG- and LNG-powered vehicles.
- Households: LPG for cooking and heating.
- Power generation: Reliable for both large-scale and distributed energy systems.
Regulatory Support and Global Trends
Natural gas has become a key pillar in the global energy transition, due to its abundance and cleaner profile compared to other fossil fuels.
Many countries are strengthening gas utilization through clean energy policies and decarbonization strategies.
As global commitments to carbon neutrality rise, natural gas continues to serve as a “bridge fuel”, a critical stepping stone toward a cleaner energy future.
Read More: 5 Main Types of Pollution from Fossil Energy
LNG: The Most Promising Gas Fuel for Energy Transition
Among all forms of natural gas fuel, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) holds a strategic position as a global transitional energy source.
LNG is natural gas (CH₄) cooled to approximately –162°C, reducing its volume by up to 600 times.
This allows for efficient transport across oceans, reaching regions without existing pipeline infrastructure. Beyond logistical efficiency, LNG’s main advantage lies in its environmental performance.
When combusted, LNG produces around 25% less CO₂ emissions than coal, making it an effective choice to reduce the carbon footprint of the energy sector.
References:
- ESDM. Accessed 2025. The Use of Natural Gas Fuels Improves Public Quality of Life
- IPIECA. Accessed 2025. Combined-Cycle Gas Turbines
- Ministry of Environment. Accessed 2025. Conversion from Single Cycle to Combined Cycle Power Plant: Grati Block 2 Project
- Greenpeace. Accessed 2025. Coal, Us, and Air Pollution
