Natural Gas

Natural gas has two properties that make it increasingly attractive to us humans: on the one hand, it's a fossil fuel, and so demonstrates all the benefits that such energy-stores hold. On the other, it's cleaner than either oil or gas and emits significantly less CO2.

Tie in the fact that gas-fired power stations are cheaper and faster to build than coal, nuclear or wind alternatives, and you have a very tempting prospect for future energy generation indeed.

Of course, natural gas has its drawbacks too: its volume makes it difficult to transport, and its acquisition from source can provide a test for the engineering mind. However, the benefits have proved so inviting that Shell has pioneered new technologies and invested in new approaches such as liquefied natural gas-LNG to make the most of this natural resource.

Global energy demand is rising and will continue to rise for the foreseeable future. Simultaneously, CO2 emissions must be addressed if we're not to face debilitating climate change. Although natural gas might not provide the ultimate answer to this demand, all the indications are there that it might just provide the best option for right now.