The Challenge & Opportunity of Natural Gas

We’re living and working in unprecedented times. Unemployment is still high in a shaky economy, global political unrest is reported daily and natural disasters are wiping out entire regions. Simultaneously, industries and communities are struggling to find the resources they need to provide energy and clean water for both economic and human health. Our world’s demand of water and energy is outgrowing Mother Nature’s supply—the International Energy Agency estimates that by 2030, the world’s energy demand will be 40% more than it was in 2007, and we will need three times more water to meet this energy demand. Are we ready for that future?

Research and exploration are under way to identify and harvest Earth’s natural resources in new ways that can shrink the current discrepancy between supply and demand, and ensure a sustainable supply of power and effective water management for further economic and population development. But we need to be open-minded in order to turn innovative ideas into real opportunities.

Corporations, individuals and governmental bodies are focused on finding new sources of energy to power future growth—and, fortunately, technological advancements enable us to take calculated risks when it comes to embracing opportunities and making investments in new ventures. Natural gas, for example, has the potential to meet these future energy needs. But while the opportunities are great, so are the challenges involved in extracting it from the earth. Unconventional gas sources—shale and tight gas, and coal seam gas offer the most viable source—require inventive drilling methods for energy companies to reach this underground energy supply.

With the public’s health and best interest in mind, and to overcome the effect unconventional gas mining and the hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” process can have on water quality and availability in surrounding areas, research and progress are under way to initiate a means of treating and reusing water for industrial and municipal purposes, reducing or eliminating the need to dispose of it in evaporation ponds and remove it from the facility on trucks, or risk having it seep into neighboring streams and water sources. We’re also developing methods that enable the management and optimization of water resources inside and outside the field, and help natural gas drilling facilities convert wastewater into beneficial by-products.

GE recently launched a Mobile Frac Evaporator to enable natural gas producers to significantly decrease their transportation and disposal costs of processed water. Additionally, the communities will benefit from less truck traffic and decreased wear and tear on local roads. We’re also working, for example, with a North American gas producer on a pilot study around safe alternative energy exploration and the disposal of processed water. To address how to safely clean and dispose of water that’s been used in the gas extraction process, we developed and provided a filter that successfully removed more than 95% of the suspended solids from the water. The filter also provided a significant reduction in chemicals present in the water—such as sulphate-reducing and acid-producing bacteria—from more than 1 million cfu/ml to near zero. Not only do these advancements present the potential for improved operations at lower cost; more importantly, they keep harmful chemicals contained without risking contact with humans and the environment.

Our partnerships are designed to help industries, governments and individuals achieve several important objectives vital to a sustainable future—enabling safe energy exploration that is environmentally responsible to find the energy resources needed now and in the future, and using technology and expertise to safeguard natural resources. In helping companies meet current regulations and anticipate future restrictions with a portfolio of options that enhance efficiencies, reduce costs and manage and overcome challenges, we’re enabling them to succeed in an ever-evolving industry by supporting increased industrial productivity, environmental responsibility and community well-being.