Natural Gas: The Key Energy Source for Decarbonization

Industrial decarbonization refers to the process by which industries gradually reduce or eliminate their emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases as part of a global effort to combat climate change and promote a sustainable, affordable economy.

In this context, energy sustainability emerges as a critical pillar for industries, aiming to optimize energy consumption and maximize resource efficiency. This involves using energy from sources with lower or zero greenhouse gas emissions, adopting technologies to enhance production efficiency and reduce energy demand, and leveraging renewable energy sources.

A crucial aspect of achieving energy sustainability in the industrial sector is improving consumption efficiency, which not only delivers environmental benefits but also helps reduce operational costs. To achieve this, it is essential to select the appropriate primary fuel, opting for those with minimal environmental impact while maintaining operational performance and economic feasibility.

In countries like Mexico, where energy demand is high and 88% of energy is derived from fossil fuels (Energy Balance 2021, Ministry of Energy), natural gas emerges as a pivotal resource for transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Its proper use can enhance industrial energy efficiency, facilitating the decarbonization of both the national industrial sector and foreign companies relocating their operations to Mexico as part of the nearshoring trend.

In this scenario, energy efficiency processes such as cogeneration and distributed generation, using natural gas as the primary fuel, play a leading role in transforming the energy matrix. This transformation is supported by solid foundations, including stable and competitive prices in the region, robust and expanding infrastructure for reliable and secure supply, innovative energy solutions, and significantly lower carbon emissions compared to other fuels.

Advantages of Natural Gas for Sustainability

Natural gas is an energy source that has gained recognition for its environmental and economic benefits for industries.

One of its primary advantages is its physicochemical properties, which result in lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fuels. For instance, its use can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 44%, equivalent to 193 tons of CO₂ per GWh of energy generated through efficient cogeneration processes.
This translates into environmental savings comparable to 776,439 kilometers driven by a typical passenger vehicle, charging 23,160,000 smartphones, or planting 7,431 trees.

Moreover, when used in cogeneration systems—where the fuel supports both electricity and thermal energy production—natural gas can achieve energy efficiencies of up to 87%, depending on the application and customer processes. This makes it a fundamental alternative in energy-saving programs and an essential tool for the energy transition.

In addition, natural gas has significant potential to complement renewable energy sources. Its stable and secure supply compensates for the intermittency of renewables like solar and wind, which depend on weather conditions. This ensures a constant energy flow even during periods of low renewable generation, keeping electrical grids operating smoothly. In this sense, natural gas serves as a "bridge" to a greener energy system, supporting renewable energy growth while ensuring energy security during the transition.

Another key advantage of natural gas is its energy flexibility. This resource is well-suited for a wide range of applications, from electricity generation to transportation and industrial processes, making it a versatile and practical energy source for meeting diverse energy needs. Its ease of transport and storage, whether via pipelines or as liquefied natural gas (LNG), enables efficient distribution across regions and sectors.

Finally, natural gas contributes to improving air quality, especially in urban areas. By emitting fewer atmospheric pollutants, such as sulfur oxides and fine particles, compared to other fossil fuels, it helps reduce health issues associated with air pollution. For this reason, communities seeking cleaner and safer energy solutions for their residents find natural gas to be a beneficial, low-impact alternative, enabling the development of efficient policies for future cities.

Together, these characteristics make natural gas a valuable component in building a cleaner, more efficient, and secure energy system. Its role as a complement to renewable energy and its lower environmental impact compared to other fossil fuels underscore its importance in the journey toward a more sustainable energy future.

Naturgy’s Role in Driving the Energy Transition

Naturgy recognizes Mexico's unique energy needs and understands that while renewable sources like solar, wind, and biofuels are the long-term goal, natural gas offers an immediate, secure, and accessible solution to support the country's environmental commitments. By doing so, it facilitates the transition to a lower carbon footprint in economic activities and serves as a cornerstone for electricity generation and industrial operations in Mexico.

Naturgy has a strong presence in over 50 industrial parks in northern and central Mexico and supports more than 2,000 industrial clients already using natural gas. This positions the company as a key ally for manufacturing and nearshoring, offering cleaner energy solutions that enable industries to optimize operational costs and enhance productivity.

For more information, contact contratacionggcc@naturgy.com or visit naturgy.com.mx.