WHERE GAS IS FOUND

Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel. Found within deep reservoirs of porous rock, the combustible, gaseous mixture of hydrocarbon compounds was first used as an energy source in the United States in 1816. Today, natural gas is the second leading fuel, behind oil, for energy consumption. Natural gas can be used to fuel power plants and for home heating.

HOW GAS IS MADE INTO ENERGY.

1. A boiler contains the furnace where burning fuel (natural gas) heats water to make steam.
2. A turbine changes steam's heat energy into mechanical energy. Steam pushes blades rotating on a bar, causing it to spin at a high speed.
3. A generator changes mechanical energy into electrical energy. The spinning bar of the turbine causes a huge magnet in the generator to rotate past copper bars producing electric current.

OTHER FACTS ABOUT NATURAL GAS

Gas burners are used to generate electricity.

Gas is expensive.

Gas is found in Alaska

Gas is used in most power plants in North America.

Other Gas Power Plants in Pennsylvania

The Lower Mt. Bethel Energy Plant is under development by PP&L. This natural gas-fired plant is scheduled to come on line in 2003. The facility will use many of the Martin's Creek station's services, including water supply and wastewater disposal facilities.

POWER GENERATION IN PA	NUCLEAR POWER	OIL
HYDROELECTRICITY	COAL	GAS