Comment Log Display

  It should be remembered that no combustion is complete, so, when
natural gas is burned, some escapes to the air. Natural gas is
mostly methane (CH4). Methane is a very reactive GHG, volume for
volume, about 21 times as reactive as CO2. So the methane which is
released when NG is burned should not be ignored. Fortunately, it
is oxidized in the atmosphere, the H becomine water vapor and the
C, CO2. Most analysis of NG GHG impact just asssumes complete
combustion, so the ultimate result is correct. However, there
should be some correction for the high GHG impact of unbruned
metane. The dwell time in the air is dependent upon the
temperzture and degree of mixing, but it is pretty safe to assume
10 years. Thus, the GHG impact of burning natural gas is not as
benign as commonly assumed and the difference should be allowed
for in any rigorous GHG control system that does not just ignore
short term results.
Respectfully submitted.  Robert E. Burt