gasudnyttelse

Gasudnyttelse, often translated as "gas exploitation" or "gas utilization," refers to the economic and practical extraction and use of natural gas. This encompasses the entire value chain, from the exploration and drilling for gas reserves to its processing, transportation, and eventual consumption. Natural gas is a finite fossil fuel primarily composed of methane, found in underground deposits alongside or separate from crude oil. Its extraction typically involves drilling wells into these reservoirs.

Once extracted, raw natural gas often contains impurities such as water, carbon dioxide, and sulfur compounds, which must be removed through a process called natural gas processing or sweetening. The purified gas is then transported via pipelines, liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers, or compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles to reach consumers.

The applications of natural gas are diverse and widespread. It is a significant source of energy for electricity generation, heating residential and commercial buildings, and powering industrial processes. Furthermore, natural gas serves as a crucial feedstock in the petrochemical industry, used to produce plastics, fertilizers, and other chemical products. The increasing demand for cleaner energy sources has also led to its use as a transportation fuel. However, the extraction and combustion of natural gas contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, posing environmental challenges.