Natural gas supply: short-term and long-term

Journal Article · Thu Sep 23 04:00:00 EDT 1976 · Public Util. Fortn.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7145928

Kalisch, R B

In terms of total energy consumed in the U.S., natural gas provides about 30 percent and provides just under 40 percent of domestic energy production. The developments leading to its current supply-demand imbalance are traced in this article. Estimates of the total volume of domestic reserves that can reasonably be expected to be produced in the short- and long-term are set forth. National energy policy involves two key issues. First, domestic coal reserves are adequate to satisfy long-term energy needs, but at present there is no significant shift to coal as other fossil fuels become limited in supply. Secondly, it is hoped that nuclear power will carry an increasing part of the energy load, but its present contribution amounts to about two percent, projected to contribute about 10 percent by 1990. It remains that fossil-fuel-derived energy will still have to contribute 90 percent. Natural gas has been used to generate electricity because it is cheap, and it is cheap because the price for natural gas is controlled in interstate usage. This pricing policy deters adequate new exploration and encourages its wasteful use in a capacity where a substitute fossil fuel could be utilized. The present shortage of natural gas will persist, but the author says the key issues will be resolved in time. Price regulation is perhaps the most fundamental issue. Reduced demand and increased production are needed. Canadian gas imports, LNG imports, commercial coal gasification plant funding, and feed stock allocations are other key issues discussed briefly. (MCW)

• Research Organization: American Gas Association, Inc., New York
• OSTI ID: 7145928
• Journal Information: Public Util. Fortn.; (United States), Journal Name: Public Util. Fortn.; (United States) Vol. 98:7; ISSN PUFNA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
031000 -- Natural Gas-- Legislation & Regulations
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
294003* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Natural Gas
CHARGES
CONSUMPTION RATES
COST
DRILLING
ENERGY
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY SUPPLIES
EXPLORATION
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INDUSTRY
NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY
PRODUCTION
RECOVERY
REGULATIONS
RESERVES
RESOURCES