maakaasua

Maakaasua, Finnish for natural gas, is a fossil hydrocarbon gas mixture dominated by methane. It is formed in sedimentary basins from decayed organic matter and is found in underground reservoirs, often in association with oil fields. The gas is extracted and processed to remove water, CO2, and sulfur compounds, and it is typically odorized with mercaptans to enable leak detection.

Maakaasua is transported as gas via high-pressure pipelines or as liquefied natural gas (LNG) after cooling. In gas form it requires compression and monitoring, while LNG is handled at regasification facilities. Methane leaks during production, transport, and use contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, so infrastructure and operations aim to minimize fugitive emissions.

Common uses include space heating, cooking, electricity generation, and industrial feedstocks such as ammonia production. It is often regarded as a lower-carbon option compared with coal or oil, but it remains a fossil fuel and releases methane if not fully captured or managed.

In Finland, maakaasua has played a smaller role in energy consumption compared with district heating and biomass. It is imported and distributed through national networks. Gasum Oy operates natural gas import and distribution, and cross-border connections such as the Balticconnector link Finland with Estonia, enabling gas trade within the EU. The European energy landscape emphasizes diversification and decarbonization, with natural gas playing a transitional role alongside renewables and electrification.