Coal to gas: the influence of methane leakage

摘要: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel combustion may be reduced by using natural gas rather than coal to produce energy. Gas produces approximately half the amount of CO2 per unit primary energy compared with coal. Here we consider a scenario where fraction usage is replaced (i.e., methane, CH4) over given time period, and percentage production assumed leak into atmosphere. The additional CH4 leakage adds radiative forcing climate system, offsetting reduction in that accompanies transition gas. We also effects of: methane mining; changes due sulfur carbonaceous aerosols; differences efficiency electricity between coal- gas-fired power generation. On balance, these factors more offset warming emissions. When replaces there out 2,050 an rate 0%, 2,140 if as high 10%. overall on global-mean temperature 21st century, however, are small.