Natural gas is made up essentially of methane. It is found in natural layers. Natural gas is a primary energy source, with many useful qualities: of all fossil fuels, it is the least harmful to the environment. Its combustion produces no ash, nor toxic waste. It is a highly praised source of energy with a high calorific value, easy to use and environmentally-friendly.
Why does natural gas smell so bad ?
Natural gas has no odor. We give it an odor so leaks may be detected.
Why is natural gas regarded as "clean" ?
While being burned, it gives off neither dust, nor soot, nor smoke. Its combustion, like our own breathing, produces only water vapor and carbon dioxide, retransformed into oxygen by plants. It has the greatest energy efficiency of any fossil fuel on the market.
How is natural gas stored ?
We use underground storage space, either porous rocks or cavities leeched out of layers of salt. These underground storage facilities are refilled every summer to cover consumption in winter. In France, there are 15 such storage facilities, 13 of them managed by GDF SUEZ.
Why do we never see gas pipelines ?
Gas pipelines are always buried underground. The only indication of the presence of these transmission systems is small yellow pipeline markers at ground level.
