Natural gas is a fossil fuel, created naturally over the course of hundreds of millions of years when layers of decomposing plants and animals are subject to intense heat from the Earth and pressure from rocks. The decomposing natural material is turned into coal, petrol and natural gas. Natural gas is invisible, has no smell and is lighter than air.
Around 500 BCE, the Chinese were among the first to use natural gas. It’s thought they discovered natural gas seeping from the ground and used bamboo pipelines to transport it, primarily for evaporating salt from brine.
The ancient Greeks and Romans used gas for lighting their temples. It’s thought Ancient Greece’s Oracle of Delphi might have been under the influence of natural gas from seeps.
18th Century and Manufactured Gas
In the late 18th century, William Murdoch, a Scottish engineer, discovered how to produce gas by heating coal in the absence of air, a process known as coal gasification. This led to the creation of “town gas.”
In 1792 he built 70m of copper and iron piping to provide gas to light lamps in his home. He went on to do the same in a friend’s home and then demonstrated his system in public at a celebration of the signing of the Peace of Amiens treaty between England, France, Spain and Holland in 1802.
Murdoch’s experiments created large-scale use of gas lighting. In 1807 Pall Mall in London was the first street in the world to be lit by gas. Nightlife would never be the same.
In those early days, gas was mostly used for lighting. But in 1885 Robert Bunsen (think Bunsen burner) tested new ways to use the thermal properties of natural gas.
Industrial Expansion in the 19th Century
Throughout the 19th century, gas lighting spread across Europe and North America as cities and towns installed gas lamps, significantly improving nighttime visibility and safety.
With the industrial revolution things really changed. For example, factories adopted gas for lighting and as a source of heat, enhancing productivity and working conditions. In 1904 natural gas was first used to provide heating and large-scale hot water supplies in London. After this breakthrough it was used under boilers to create steam for industrial use.
Gas in the 20th Century and Beyond
By the mid-20th century, natural gas began to replace manufactured gas. The discovery of vast natural gas reserves and advances in pipeline technology made it way more accessible and a more efficient and cleaner option too. Natural gas became popular in homes for cooking, heating, and hot water. Gas ovens and central heating systems became household staples.
The scale of the dependence on gas is huge. In the UK alone today there are 140,000 gas fitters registered with Gas Safe. That means when you search for gas fitters near me you’re guaranteed to be inundated with choices near you, such is our reliance on this fuel source. But using gas as a fuel remains controversial.
Technological Advancements and Environmental Considerations
The previous UK government planned to ban the installation of gas boilers in new builds by 2025 and ban the sale of gas boilers by 2030. This has been reversed, with plans instead aimed at phasing out 80% of the UK’s gas boilers by 2035 and introducing cleaner hydrogen into the gas network.
Modern innovations such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal or directional drilling have significantly increased the production and use of natural gas. These advancements gave the world access to previously inaccessible underground gas reserves. Although methods such as fracking remain controversial for their environmental impact.
Today, research and development focuses on renewable gas sources like biogas and hydrogen. Biogas is produced from organic waste, while hydrogen can be generated using renewable energy sources, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional natural gas.
Will It Run Out?
Yes, natural gas reserves will eventually run out with some estimates that could happen in less than 50 years.
Coal and natural gas are expected to last a little longer than oil. If we continue to use these fossil fuels at the current rate without finding additional reserves, it is expected that coal and natural gas will last until 2060.
However, the consumption of natural gas continues to grow considerably. China alone accounts for over a third of this growth, and building and industry are responsible for 80% of the rise in global demand.’
Octopus Energy
As of January 1, 2018, there were an estimated 7,124 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of total world proved reserves of gross natural gas.
International Energy Agency, 2019.
Final Thoughts
From ancient natural gas to modern renewable gas technologies, gas has played a crucial role in shaping human life as we know it. It’s changed industrial processes and home comforts too.
