In Egypt, organizations are increasingly promoting the use of renewable energy sources, including solar panels, wind turbines, and hydro technologies. However, the energy sector remains heavily reliant on natural gas, a fossil fuel that emits greenhouse gases. This reliance is likely to persist as a cornerstone of the electrical system for years, if not decades, despite the growing integration of renewable energy sources.

General Overview

One take on this topic is that because the wind and the sun are too unpredictable, the oil and gas industry insist that they must continue to utilize natural gas. Additionally, they are hesitant to make energy storage investments, claiming that purchasing batteries that can power the system in the absence of sufficient wind or sunshine would be too expensive.

Equally, another point of view emphasises the importance of limiting – if not, diminishing – natural gas altogether; to combat pollution and climate change, liberal lawmakers and environmental activists battled for years to compel the industry to cut back on their usage of carbon-emitting sources of fuel. The front lines of battle are quickly moving as coal use declines, pitting supporters of a carbon-free system opposite individuals who support natural gas, a plentiful fuel that emits roughly half as many greenhouse gases as burning coal.

Pressure: Cracking the Surface

In fact, as the global spotlight turns more and more to the effects of human activity on the environment, greater numbers of individuals are starting to worry about where they acquire their power and how effective and environmentally friendly it is.

Primarily, there are environmental effects associated with natural gas extraction. Methane, a greenhouse gas that is thirty times more effective than CO2 in trapping heat, can seep from wells and pipelines during natural gas extraction. Then there is fracking, which is another method of obtaining natural gas that involves pumping millions of gallons of water, sand, and chemicals into exposed rock located far below the surface of the earth. This releases any trapped natural gas. Fracking is an uncontrolled practice that has the potential to contaminate subterranean water sources. To generate power, natural gas must be burned after it has been extracted. The environmental impact of burning natural gas to operate a house or even a car on a daily basis can be significant, but to what extent?

The Battle Between Natural and Renewable

Natural gas is the greenest fossil fuel available. Natural gas is the gas alternative with the lowest emissions, producing 50% as much carbon dioxide as coal and roughly 30% less than oil when compared to other non-renewable electricity resources. It also generates less harmful compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. In Egypt, natural gas use and exports have increased as a result of its clean-burning characteristics.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to keep in mind that not all energy sources are [yet] compatible with modern technologies. For instance, shipping and aircraft, as well as some so-called hard-to-abate industrial sectors like iron smelting, still rely heavily on fossil fuels. Although there is still a long way to go before renewable energy can completely replace fossil fuels, a lot of studies and improvements are already underway and much more is required in areas like storage. Wind and solar energy will become more significant as the world becomes more electrified, especially in areas with abundant renewable energy supplies. As suggested by a Renewable Energy Specialist, “It is absolutely essential to remember that [the world] is just in the staring phase of an energy transition that is beyond any other endeavour in history in terms of both complexity and pace. There is so much more left to do and improve and every transition requires time and effort. The plant for now: [the world] should act now.”

In conclusion, there are advantages and disadvantages regarding the implementation and usage of both renewable energy technologies and natural gas. Although natural gas is superior to coal, it nevertheless contributes to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, renewable energy technologies are a clean source that improve public health and lowers carbon emissions. The advantages of renewable energy technologies are becoming increasingly clear as we move onwards. Solar power is poised to lead due to declining costs, increasing efficiency, and strong public and policymaker support. We can significantly improve the environment and move towards a sustainable future by switching to solar power.