Efficient natural gas supports a cleaner future for Canada
Discover how Canadian natural gas is driving energy efficiency across the country as an essential part of our diverse energy mix.
Canada’s natural gas industry has cut greenhouse gas emissions by over 3.7 million metric tons
through billions of dollars invested in energy efficiency programs over the last decade — equivalent to taking 800,000 cars off the road for a year.
(Source: CGA 2023)
Investments in renewable natural gas will contribute to cutting emissions by over 26 MT GHGs/year
by integrating renewable gases into traditional natural gas streams, the industry is targeting 10% adoption by 2030.
(Source: CGA 2023)
What role will natural gas play in meeting Canada’s emission reduction goals?
Production of other energy sources
Natural gas will continue to play a crucial role in producing key energy sources in our evolving energy mix, balancing reliability with emission reductions.
· Electricity generation: Natural gas-fired power plants provide reliable baseload power and support grid stability, complementing intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
· Hydrogen gas production: Natural gas is used in steam methane reforming to produce hydrogen, which can be used as a clean fuel for transportation and industrial applications.
· Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) production: Produced from organic waste, RNG can be used as a lower-emission alternative to traditional natural gas in heating and transportation.
Supporting hybrid energy systems
Natural gas complements and enhances the efficiency of other energy sources like electricity, particularly in residential heating and cooling applications.
Its versatility in combined heat and power systems also improves energy efficiency in industrial settings, where it can simultaneously generate electricity and useful heat.
Maintaining the integrity and reliability of our energy grid
Natural gas is essential for maintaining reliable energy systems that incorporate renewables. It offers constant power to offset the intermittent nature of wind and solar energy, which are susceptible to disruptions.
This reliability becomes especially important during extreme weather events or unexpected outages. Natural gas can quickly scale up to meet heightened energy demands, ensuring continuous operation across the grid.
Additionally, with its established infrastructure and storage capacity, natural gas ensures a consistent backup whenever renewable energy isn’t available.