Although we are thinking more and more about using different renewable energy sources in our daily lives, not everyone can choose alternatives and a large part of the population still uses natural gas. It must be acknowledged that, compared to other fossil fuels, it produces less CO₂, ash, soot, odours and other elements. One kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy from natural gas releases about 0.2 kg of CO₂ into the atmosphere, compared to around 0.4 kg of CO₂ from wood.

Natural gas plays an important role in our daily lives to meet our daily energy needs, from its use in the home, cooking on the stove or enjoying the heat provided by natural gas, to industry.

From underground to the home

The largest reserves of natural gas in the world can be found in places such as the Western Siberian region of Russia, the Middle Eastern countries Qatar and Iran, as well as the USA and Venezuela. Natural gas is extracted from underground and transported through pipelines or by tankers to processing plants to be converted into usable form and then transported through transmission pipelines to distribution points. In Latvia, natural gas is pumped into the Inčukalns underground gas storage, ensuring a reliable supply of gas demand.

Versatile use

Natural gas can be used in many different ways in households – from cooking to heating. For example, a natural gas stove is a popular choice in many households because it heats up quickly and provides a precise, constant flame and temperature control. Similarly, a natural gas heating system is easy to use because it warms up rooms quickly and can maintain even heat at lower temperatures.

At the same time, it should be borne in mind that cooking on a gas stove produces direct emissions into the living space, also consuming the oxygen it contains, as well as the risk of fire hazards and lower energy efficiency (30–40%) compared to an electric stove.

Consumption of natural gas in Latvia

In Latvian households, the largest share of natural gas consumption, accounting for 52% of total consumption, is used for heating. Natural gas is used to power heating systems to provide heat, such as stoves, boilers, radiators, fireplaces, etc. Approximately 29% of total natural gas consumption in Latvian households is used for cooking, while the remaining 19% – for water heating.

What influences natural gas consumption?

To manage energy consumption effectively, it is important to understand the factors influencing natural gas consumption.

• Climate - climate has a major impact on heating demand in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors, and in colder weather natural gas is more commonly used for heating space and water.
• Thermal insulation of the building - a well-insulated building prevents heat loss, reducing the need to run heating appliances. Thermal insulation acts as a barrier, trapping heat in the home and reducing the frequency and duration of heating system operation, so less natural gas is consumed to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
• Efficiency of the equipment used - the efficiency of natural gas appliances has the most direct impact on natural gas consumption. The more efficient appliances are, the better they can convert a greater proportion of the natural gas consumed into usable energy, thus reducing unnecessary energy waste and natural gas consumption.
• Number of family members and daily consumption habits - the more family members, the more natural gas is consumed for cooking, as well as heating water and space.

Use natural gas wisely and efficiently! Learn more about how to use natural gas more efficiently.