Natural Gas as the Fuel for the Future

Abstract

Briefly considers the history of global energy development as an introduction to the findings of a 1984 gas study by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA). The article has sections on the dynamics of energy systems, and estimates of economically available natural resources; methane and the role of technology; potential growth sectors for natural gas; natural gas and the environment; and prospects in Western Europe. An appendix explains the models and technical assumptions of the IIASA study.