Natural gas, liquefied or in the gaseous state

cpc code 12020 covers the industry of natural gas, which is a vital energy source and an essential raw material for various industries. Natural gas is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture, primarily composed of methane, and is extracted from underground reservoirs. It plays a crucial role in the global energy landscape, providing a cleaner and more efficient alternative to other fossil fuels, and is a key component in the production of a wide range of products, from plastics to fertilizers.

The production of natural gas involves several key steps. First, exploration and drilling activities are conducted to locate and extract the natural gas from underground reservoirs. Once extracted, the natural gas is processed to remove impurities and separate the various hydrocarbon components. This may involve techniques such as compression, dehydration, and fractionation. Depending on the intended use, the natural gas may then be liquefied, stored, and transported, or it may be distributed directly through pipelines to end-users.

The main inputs required for the natural gas industry include the raw natural gas deposits, as well as specialized equipment and infrastructure for exploration, extraction, processing, and distribution. This includes drilling rigs, pipelines, storage facilities, and processing plants. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce, including geologists, engineers, and technicians, to carry out the various operations.

The primary output of the natural gas industry is the natural gas itself, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including 12021 Electricity generation, 12022 Heating and cooking, and as a feedstock for the production of 19010 Organic chemicals. Natural gas can also be liquefied (LNG) for easier transportation and storage, and the liquefaction process can produce other valuable byproducts, such as ethane, propane, and butane.