Gaasikütus

Gaasikütus, also known as natural gas, is a fossil fuel formed from the remains of plants and animals that died millions of years ago. It is primarily composed of methane, with smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and butane. Gaasikütus is found in underground deposits and is extracted through drilling. It is a colorless and odorless gas in its natural state, but a distinctive odorant is added during processing to make leaks detectable.

The primary use of gaasikütus is for heating homes and businesses, as well as for cooking. It is also widely used to generate electricity in power plants. Industrial applications include its use as a feedstock in the production of plastics, fertilizers, and other chemicals. In the transportation sector, compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) are used as alternative fuels for vehicles.

Gaasikütus is considered a relatively clean-burning fossil fuel compared to coal and oil, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy. However, its extraction and transportation can have environmental impacts, including methane leaks, which is a potent greenhouse gas. The combustion of gaasikütus still releases carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. Its availability, relatively low cost, and versatility make it a significant energy source globally.