Shell Explains the Benefits and Applications of Natural Gas By David Lawrence, Shell

Introduction• Before becoming the chairman and CEO of Lawrence

Energy Group, David Lawrence served as executive vice president for exploration and commercial with Shell Upstream Americas and EVP Global Exploration for Royal Dutch Shell. While working with Shell, David Lawrence was instrumental in Shell's exploration, appraisal, and development of gas fields that produce natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), including Prelude (Australia), Pinedale, Marcellus and Haynesville (United States), Groundbirch (Canada), Mensa (Gulf of Mexico), Canada LNG, Elba LNG, Repsol LNG acquisition, and Shell's gas to transport projects.

Natural Gas• Shell explains that natural gas has been categorized as non-toxic,

colorless, and odorless. It is also the lowest-carbon and cleanest-burning fossil fuel, generating one-tenth of the air pollutants and approximately 50 percent less carbon dioxide than burning coal does. Using natural gas instead of coal to produce electricity could significantly decrease near-term air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

According to Shell, natural gas has a wide range of applications in the residential and transportation industries as well as possessing numerous commercial and industrial uses. Natural gas can be used to fuel ships, light homes, heat businesses, and produce staple goods. With worldwide demand for gas expected to rise by 60 percent between 2010 and 2030, Shell is also exploring the use of gas in new markets, including using LNG rather than heavy fuel and diesel in transport.