By: Victor Provenzano

Victor Provenzano — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 14:03:00 +0000

The problem here is the mention in one of the videos of the “megatrend of natural gas.” If GE’s Ecoimagination division is relying on it, then, to some degree, it is likely making false claims about its emissions reductions. 43% of the natural gas consumed in the U.S. in 2012 was shale gas. The fugitive methane emissions from shale gas are between 4% and 9% of the total amount of shale gas that is produced from shale gas wells according to a recent study by NOAA. Even if one uses a far more efficient gas turbine with the added advantage of a combined cycle design, the total net carbon emissions may rival those of oil or coal or be even higher depending on the source of one’s natural gas. The GWP (global warming potential) of methane is 72 times higher than that of CO2 during the first 20 years that it is in the troposphere. Only such a 20 year time span—-not the CO2-based 100 year time span—-is relevant for methane emissions since most of the CH4 breaks down chemically in a little more than 8 years. Thus, Ecoimagination’s claims about “emissions reductions” and “reductions in carbon intensity” deriving from the use of natural gas may bear no relation to reality.

Comments on: GE Sparks $25 Billion In 2012 Revenue From Ecomagination R&D Investments

By: Victor Provenzano