Natural Gas and Renewable Energy - Shell

'The Beautiful Relationship' - Shell

In October Shell released this video depicting Natural Gas as the perfect partner for renewable energy. It's cheap, it's reliable and there's a large supply. 

So why all the fuss? As said, the potential supply is huge (Shell say there is 200years worth), and this can be extended by using natural gas-hydrates.  Makong et al.'s research displays the even larger potential of natural gas if hydrates can be used successfully. At present, research is required regarding converting natural gas-hydrates into natural gas safely and efficiently as well as work on their properties. 

Furthermore, natural gas is significantly less polluting than other fossil fuels, so if we have to use fossil fuels we may as well use natural gas. In fact, on the website 'Alternative Energy', it even lists Natural Gas as an alternative energy alongside Solar Energy, Hydroelectric and others. To this end, it is a relatively new fuel compared to other fossil fuels.

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So why the opposition to natural gas? It still pollutes the environment, both in terms of greenhouse gases and smog as well as locally (especially when produced through fracking). Natural gas production can seriously impact surface waters as well, illustrated well by Entrekin et al. Water is required in significantly quantities (millions of litres) is used for drilling as well as 'a suite of chemicals that may be toxic to aquatic biota'. As such, concern is growing that although the natural gas is there, obtaining it has large negative impacts. As optimists should we not opt for completely green technologies rather than half-heartedly using natural gas because it is 'not as bad', whilst still being very bad? 

Interestingly, the ratio of likes to dislikes is roughly 1:5 on Shell's video, and they wisely decided to disable comments on the video (you can't disable liking/disliking on youtube). Shell's PR team must have known what the backlash from the public would be to this suggestion. And maybe we shouldn't be considering continuing to use fossil fuels, but realistically maybe Shell do have a point. Maybe, we will need to continue to use fossil fuels to fund renewable energies shortcomings. 

Then again there are other issues associated with Natural Gas, such as where it comes from... whereas renewable energy is produced within country...

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Oh, and I haven't even touched on how the video presents a woman us unstable renewable energy, needing a strong man that is reliable... good one Shell.