Natural gas in BC
Natural gas is an important contributor to BC's economy and its energy mix. Used in energy efficient appliances and equipment, it's also better for our environment than other options.
For our growing energy needs
Natural gas plays an important role in BC's energy mix – both today and in the future. As our province's population and economy continue to grow, so does our demand for energy. And that energy consumption is expected to increase 25 to 45% over the next two decades.1
Natural gas meets energy demands
Fortunately, BC has ample natural gas reserves to meet growing energy demands. Natural gas exploration and development activities in the province have revealed vast reserves of natural gas – more than enough to supply BC well into the future. As of December 31, 2005, BC's established natural gas reserves were at their highest level in the province's history.2
Over half of the raw gas reserves come from the Cadomin formation of the BC Deep Basin. This area is known to have immense gas potential. And with new technology, it can be efficiently developed to meet growing energy needs.
Other development opportunities exist in northern BC. The Peace River area contains vast reserves of natural gas derived from coal bed methane, while the Horn River Basin near Fort Nelson could amount to one of the largest discoveries of natural gas, sourced from shale gas, in Canada. These areas will add much to BC's supply of natural gas once fully developed.3
Natural gas contributes to BC's economy
In BC, the demand for natural gas equals that of electricity – accounting for about 21%. Yet British Columbians consume only 20 to 30% of the natural gas produced in the province.4 The surplus is exported.
Source: Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency; Energy Statistics and Analysis, Energy Use and Consumption Database for B.C.
Natural gas generates revenue for the government of British Columbia through royalties as well as through land leases. In 2007, natural gas royalties alone contributed $1.2 billion to the provincial treasury.1 To meet global demand, natural gas production is expected to double over the next decade, creating new jobs in BC.
BC is a net importer of electricity
Most electricity in BC is generated from hydroelectric dams. However, existing hydroelectric projects do not meet current demands. Most years, British Columbia consumes more electricity than it can produce.
The province makes up the shortfall by importing electricity from other areas – up to 15% at times. In many cases, this imported electricity is generated at less than 60% efficiency and produces more greenhouse gases than the direct use of natural gas.5
The BC government has legislated that by 2016 the province will be electricity self sufficient and that 90% of new generation will come from clean, renewable resources. Plus all generation in the province must achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions. Natural gas will play an important role in reaching these goals.
Right fuel. Right place. Right time.
As one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels, natural gas is better for the environment than imported electricity and other fossil fuels. So using each energy resource for what is does best makes sense.
Use electricity for computers and lights, and natural gas for space and water heating. Most of the energy we use in our homes is for space and water heating. So it's good news that natural gas home heating systems today are up to 97% efficient.6
Space heating accounts for 49.6% of our residential energy use. Water heating is the second largest portion of energy use at 23.9%. In commercial and institutional use, 52.2% of the energy used is for space heating.
Source: Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency; Residential data and Commercial data
Making wise decisions about how we use our energy resources now will go a long way towards helping the environment and meeting our future energy needs. Natural gas is part of the comforting solution.
Sources
- Meeting the Challenge, BC Hydro
- Gas reserves, Ministry of Energy, Mining and Petroleum
- Gas players gear up for BC rush; Huge discoveries in northeast ignite 'massive land grab' for drilling rights, Globe & Mail, March 3, 2008
- BC Budget 2007, BC Government
- GE Energy, Combined cycle gas turbine fuel efficiency
- Home heating efficiency, Terasen Gas
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