Natural gas in a combustion gas turbine can produce 100-300 MW, takes up minimal space in comparison, and can be up and running in less than 30 minutes. They are often used for peak load. The heat from the exhaust of multiple units can be used to make steam, and so achieve greater efficiency through co-generation. The advantage of being able to start up your power generators in the morning and turning them off in the evening, burning no fuel for 8-10 hours a day, is enormous.

Natural gas isn’t the ultimate solution, but it certainly can be helpful in the interim.

“ottovbvs: There’s a difference between who has the largest proven reserves vs. who are the biggest current producers…………..I stand by my statement: Currently, North America and Russia are the largest current producers.”

…………Of course there is……..but we’re talking about a long term energy resource……..how long is the US going to remain one of largest producers particularly if we’re depleting at a fair rate…….In 1900 the US was the world’s largest producer of oil……..as it happens NG prices are fairly depressed at the moment so that will probably slow down middle eastern and Russian development (and ours too btw) but within 20 years I’m sure we’ll be dwarfed by the middle east.

I stand by my statement: Currently, North America and Russia are the largest current producers.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2180rank.html

The Middle East may have more reserves:

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2179rank.html

but they’re not supplying it in as big a quantity–at least not yet.
Hope this clears it up.

“Updated estimates put us near the top.”

…………It’s 3.8% of the world’s total…….handy to have but for a country of 305 million people with about 22% of world GDP it’s impact is limited

Updated estimates:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/18/business/energy-environment/18gas.html?_r=1

Though I would think that in my home state of Colorado, as well as in other western states, water issues will have an impact on actual extraction.

………I just checked North America has about 5% of proven reserves a couple of years ago………Collectively Europe has more than we do

“Because North America and Russia, not the Middle East, are among the world’s largest suppliers of natural gas.”

……Russia has about 39% of proven reserves and the Middle East has about 40%……the rest of the world has the other 20%…….these numbers go up and down a bit with new finds but they are unlikely to alter dramatically and if they do it’s likely to be in Russia’s favor ………it is a wonderful resource but as you say consumes a lot of water to produce the ultimate product…….So a great resource but one that leaves us and Europe still heavily dependant on the middle east and a major power rival……not to mention the impact on the balance of payments …..it’s dangerous if it diverts us from the search for alternatives which confer greater strategic and economic independance

Not exactly – North America and Russia have the advantage of pipeline routes to major consumers – but the Middle East has seen significant construction of LNG liquification terminals recently, with Qatar about to add 31 million metric ton per annum of LNG to the global market. Meanwhile, numerous LNG receiving/gasification terminals are being or have been constructed in North America recently.