Reducing methane emissions from natural gas reciprocating engines: The silent contributor to global climate change

Reducing methane emissions from natural gas reciprocating engines: The silent contributor to global climate change While natural gas is a cleaner-burning alternative to coal and diesel, its use comes with a significant downside: methane emissions. Adam Dempsey from Marquette University highlights prechamber-enabled mixing-controlled combustion as a promising technology for reducing methane slip from natural gas engines. Natural gas usage around the globe has increased by ~20% over the last decade, and it now accounts for ~25% of the world’s energy supply. Natural gas is an attractive fuel for electricity generation, heating, and even transportation – because it is abundant, lower cost, cleaner burning, and lower carbon intensity compared to petroleum-derived fuels. Natural gas emits ~25% and ~50% less CO2 per unit energy compared to diesel fuel and coal, respectively. Thus, increased natural gas usage in all energy sectors appears to be a positive trend for reducing carbon emissions and battling against climate change.