Fgáz

Fgáz is the Hungarian term used for natural gas (földgáz). It denotes a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture that is primarily used as an energy source.

Natural gas is mainly methane (CH4), with smaller amounts of ethane, propane, butane, and trace gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and sometimes hydrogen sulfide. It is colorless and odorless in its pure form; for safety, an odorant such as a mercaptan is added to enable leak detection.

Uses and energy content: In households and industry, fgáz is used for heating, cooking, and electricity generation, and as a chemical feedstock. The energy content is roughly 35–40 megajoules per cubic meter (about 9–11 kilowatt-hours per m3), depending on its composition.

Production and distribution: FGáz is produced from natural gas fields, both onshore and offshore. After processing to remove water and impurities, it is transported via pipelines or, for long distances, as liquefied natural gas (LNG). It is stored in pressurized reservoirs or underground caverns.

Safety and regulation: It is highly flammable and must be contained under pressure in appropriate equipment. Because natural gas is odorized, leaks are detectable. Safety standards, building codes, and regulatory oversight govern installation, metering, and pipeline integrity.

Environmental context: Burning natural gas emits carbon dioxide and water, with methane leaks presenting climate risks. It is considered a lower-emission fossil fuel compared with coal or oil, but decarbonization efforts focus on reducing leaks and integrating low-carbon energy or hydrogen-compatible pipelines.