The Secret of How Canada Can Produce Cleaner Energy

As the world tries to make its way to greener energy use, many countries are now using natural gas to generate electricity more cleanly than other fossil fuels. Fortunately for us, Canada is one of the largest producers of natural gas in North America. The country has significant reserves, primarily located in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. Also, according to SoCalGas, 92% of the natural gas is delivered as energy after transmission, which means that only 8% is energy lost. As a major natural gas producer, that means Canada can jump on this cleaner energy train.

Canada: A Natural Gas Leader

Canada is the fourth-largest producer of natural gas globally, which is used for heating, selling to other countries such as the US, and is used for electricity generation. To understand how Canada is planning to switch to green energy, we must understand the importance of natural gas in Canada's transition. Many oil and gas sites in Canada are in remote locations, and to operate such a facility that produces and processes this energy source. They use an Integrated Power Generation System.

"Integrated power generation uses existing site gas flows to generate electricity near the point of use; the electricity generated is then used to power equipment for gas production and processing, motor drive residue compression, along with auxiliary equipment." - Exterran

In recent years, Canada has also been focusing on exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to international markets, particularly in Asia, to meet growing global demand. This expansion is expected to enhance Canada's position in the global energy market while contributing to economic growth and job creation.

Cleaner Power Generation with Natural Gas

Many companies use a combined cycle of power generation, which uses two ways to generate electricity. The first one is when it burns gas with highly pressurized air, which turns a turbine that produces electricity. The second one uses the heat from the burned gas to heat water, which creates steam, which rotates another turbine to generate MORE electricity.

Now you can see the advantage of such a system. You do not need to connect to a city power grid; you are self-sufficient while producing more gas for your consumers.

Added Benefits of Integrated Power Generation

Integrated power generation does more than make electricity, as Exterran reports:

• Reduces operation Expenses budget variability associated with fluctuating electricity prices
• Enhanced reliability from possible grid outages or lengthy in-service dates
• Improve plant flexibility
• Reduce operating costs
• Faster plant construction (IPG helps secure contracts quickly)
• Modular design allows simple site ramp-up
• Efficiency > 60% possible with the use of waste heat at gas plants

Conclusion

To Summarize, Canada is the 4th largest gas producer in the world and is using a brilliant way to transition into clean energy using natural gas. Companies are now generating electricity with gas to produce more gas with the integrated power generation systems. 

Care to learn more about natural gas and power generation? Reach out to the 24/7 Compression & Belair Power teams today!