(449a) Introduction to Natural Gas Production and Processing

World production of natural gas in 2021 was more than 144 trillion cubic foot a 4% increase from 2020 production and according to IEA consumption of natural gas is expected to grow by 1% annually. In addition to direct use as a fuel, natural gas is converted into LPG, many petrochemicals and hydrogen. In 2019 before the pandemic, more than 23% of world energy was produced by natural gas after oil and coal. With current production and proven reserves, it is expected to last for 52 years excluding unproven reserves. It is the cleanest source of fossil type energy and currently provides the most economical and commercial method of hydrogen production by steam reforming. Today's technology choices and the upgrading of petrochemical facilities, however, need to be driven by a completely different logic than the existing industry. Current operations were built on the basis that economics of carbon dioxide are only due to fuel cost, however, the future of regulations and market acceptance look very different in the future in many countries, and these changes are driving big financial decisions within the industry. Recent advances in pyrolysis of natural gas provides a promising commercial method for production of hydrogen while eliminating GHG emission.