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Scoop Information
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Natural Gas, the Energy Source of
the 21st Century |
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Natural gas, which features the lowest CO2 emissions among fossil fuels
and an abundance of reserves, is highly valued as the “major energy
source of the 21st century” and its demands are increasing on a global
scale. Japan has imported LNG (liquefied natural gas) from abroad since
1969, which has come to be used in a full-fledged manner as the raw material
of power generation fuel and city gas.
Recently, its excellent environmental characteristics, ease
of use and economic efficiency due to efficient utilization
of energy have been valued, boosting its demands at large-scale
facilities and for industrial purposes. Particularly garnering
notice is the cogeneration system under which heat created by
natural gas power generation will be effectively used. Effective
utilization of energy has significant economic merits, including
the restraint of CO2 emissions. Furthermore, natural gas is
also highly expected to be the hydrogen source of fuel cells,
which have been in the limelight as the next-generation cogeneration
system.
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Natural Gas Utilization Spreading
Throughout Hokkaido |
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In Hokkaido in 1996, Hokkaido Gas Co., Ltd. introduced domestic natural
gas produced in Tomakomai City, and has since been converting city gas
in Sapporo and Chitose into natural gas (natural gas conversion). The company
is planning to establish conversion facilities in Otaru and Hakodate in
2005 and 2006, respectively.
Asahikawa Gas Co., Ltd., whose main supply area is Asahikawa
City, is also carrying out natural gas conversion at the moment.
Other city gas providers in Hokkaido are also scheduled to complete
natural gas conversion by 2010 jointly and with the support
of Hokkaido Gas Co., Ltd., the antecedent provider.
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Central Hokkaido Area Longitudinal
Pipeline, the assets of Hokkaido |
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In the wake of natural gas conversion in Sapporo, Chitose and Otaru by
Hokkaido Gas Co., Ltd., a natural gas pipeline was constructed that longitudinally
runs through Central Hokkaido, connecting Tomakomai, Sapporo and Otaru.
The merit of pipeline transportation is that such transportation is never
affected by weather and traffic conditions and demand fluctuations can
be dealt with immediately. In addition, those in need of natural gas do
not need fuel-stockpiling facilities, and unlike imported energy, stable
supplies for stable prices are possible without being influenced by the
situation in the Middle East and exchange-rate fluctuations.
Recently, an increasing number of large-scale plants in Tomakomai
and along the pipeline, i.e. in Chitose and Eniwa have introduced
natural gas. Natural gas is also contributing greatly to corporate
environmental policies and the enhancement of efficiency.
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