Natural gas

Gas is in our DNA. After all, we have long been committed to our product natural gas – which is increasingly gaining in importance. As the cleanest fossil fuel, natural gas fills the gap left by coal and nuclear power when insufficient energy is available from solar, hydropower and wind.

Overall gas demand is expected to level off by 2030. The changeover from coal to gas will yield growth potential of around 40 billion cubic meters. And so gas will overtake oil in the European energy mix. Production decreases in Europe and diversification in procurement will require additional gas imports – both by pipeline and from LNG. Our procurement strategy is clearly focused on these future challenges. 

Natural gas is thereby the sustainable solution for a secure energy future.

In chemical terms, natural gas is a gas mixture in which methane accounts for more than 97 percent; the remaining share primarily consists of ethane, higher value hydrocarbons and nitrogen.

Natural gas was formed millions of years ago. Dead microorganisms such as algae or plankton settled on the bottom of the sea and were then covered by layers of earth and rock. Subjected to massive pressure and high temperatures, the organic matter slowly began to transform into natural gas. Once formed, the natural gas wandered away from its source rock, slowly rising through the porous layers above – usually until it met an impermeable layer and settled in a deposit.

Natural gas is a primary energy source. This means that the energy can be used directly in its natural form.