The need for sustainable energy is reaching critical proportions. Current fuel sources release harmful greenhouse gases, and they will eventually run out. Alternative energy sources (such as wind or solar) have come a long way, but they are unlikely to meet energy demands in the foreseeable future. Even when homes get to a zero-emission point, it is important to note the sheer amount of energy consumed for industrial use. Large manufacturing plants can gulp as much energy as entire cities or even some countries.

Concerns about greenhouse gases and the negative environmental impact of modern fuel sources have led to technological advances. Cleaner energy is a must manufacturing grows. Natural gas plants produce much of the energy needed, but it must meet regulatory standards for purity. Carbon capture technology is one of the ways natural gas plants can minimize the environmental impact of this energy source.

Raw natural gas is can be extremely corrosive and mildly toxic, which makes it difficult to transport and store long-term and unfit to serve as a clean fuel. In order to convert raw natural gas into a non-toxic form that can be stored for extended periods of time and transported easily, it must be refined or “conditioned.”

Natural gas can be extracted from a variety of sources, including oil and condensate wells, landfill sites and other underground hydrocarbon reservoirs. When the raw product is obtained, it is almost always laced with some form of impurity.

The increasing importance of Carbon Capture & Storage protocols (CCS) in the natural-gas processing industry has recently focused attention onto the economics of acid gas decontamination methods, and the energy efficiency associated with such practices.

Fracture stimulation technology, also known as hydraulic fracturing or "fracking," is a process used to enhance the production of wells. There are several types. Hydrofracking, for example, is a fracking technology used to increase the production of water wells. The most widely known type of fracking, however, is that used to increase the output of oil and natural gas wells.

Challenges faced by the energy industry should also be viewed as opportunities, including the need to reduce emissions. Instead of technology stifling growth, innovation allows natural gas to play a significant role as more consumers adopt fuel cells as a local source of power. Natural gas processors can leverage this trend by supplying the raw materials that cells require to create clean energy. Image Courtesy of Power Engineering International.

The natural gas industry is a constantly thriving industry, and one that shows no signs of slowing down in terms of lateral and/or vertical growth. With this in mind, we've come up with a list of best practices, tips and tricks on the management of natural gas plants. If you happen to be a member of upper management in the natural gas industry, you'll find this list will come in handy — and will also improve your productivity and your method of governance.

The Railroad Commission of Texas is responsible for the regulation of production, transportation and exploration of oil and natural gas throughout the state. According to the , there are in-force regulations that industry professionals must adhere to for compliance.

As finding sources of energy in a safe, clean and effective manner has become more difficult, technology has stepped up to meet the demand. During the last few years, technology has expanded exponentially in the gas industry. An increase in deep-water exploration, as well as the need to prevent environmental incidents, has driven the need for reliable technology. Finding enough skilled workers who are willing to live in remote areas as those already in the field will continue to retire will also drive the need to rely more extensively on advanced technology. The following are four technology trends currently making a major impact in the natural gas industry.