Frequently Asked Questions
What is natural gas?
Natural gas is a fossil fuel like oil and coal. It is a “non-renewable” fuel because it takes millions of years to form deep in the earth before it can be used again. When microorganisms, sea plants and animals died over 300 million years ago, even before the dinosaurs, they settled on the bottom of the oceans, which covered most of the earth. This material built up as layers over time, and the pressure and heat from the earth turned them into petroleum and natural gas. The natural gas would get trapped in pockets of underground rocks.
How is natural gas found?
Geologists locate the types of rock that are usually found near gas deposits, and testing is conducted. If the site seems promising, drilling begins. Some of these areas are on land but many are deep in the ocean. Once gas is found, it flows up through the well to the ground’s surface and into large pipelines.
Why is natural gas considered one of the cleanest-burning fuels?
Natural gas has fewer emissions of sulfur, carbon and nitrogen than coal or oil. It also has almost no ash particles left after burning. This is one reason that natural gas is an attractive energy source, especially for electricity generation. (Source: Energy Information Administration)
How many natural gas plants does NextEra Energy Energy Resources operate?
We have incorporated the cleanest-burning fossil fuel into our portfolio with 12 natural gas facilities in 10 states.
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