In 2007, shale gas comprised only 8 percent of gross gas production, but by 2011, that number had climbed to 30 percent of gross production, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
And while natural gas prices have remained low the last few years, they are expected to rise after 2015 due to an increase in production costs, making now the perfect time for U.S. manufacturers to take advantage of the shale gas boom.
Here are three tips from Chris Faulkner, president and CEO of Breitling Energy Cos.
Consider infrared heating units. They heat materials used in certain manufacturing processes more quickly and efficiently and can speed the manufacturing process. Infrared heating units quickly generate high temperatures by combining natural gas with a panel of ceramic fibers containing a platinum catalyst to cause a reaction with oxygen.
Consider natural gas combined heat and power, and combined cooling, heat and power systems, which can be used to generate electricity as well as space heating, water heating and stoking industrial boilers. The natural gas-powered CHP and CCHP systems produce fewer emissions, helping you meet government standards.
Convert your vehicle fleet to domestic natural gas through liquefied natural gas or compressed natural gas. Natural gas vehicle conversions pay for themselves in fuel savings of as much as 15 to 28 percent versus diesel. The life cycle costs of heavy-duty NGVs are competitive with conventional fuels, and these vehicles generally have lower maintenance costs.