Natural Gas 101
Natural gas plays a central role in Canada’s energy mix, providing affordable, clean and reliable energy to over two-thirds of Canadians. Explore the many uses of natural gas and its role in Canada’s energy mix.
Get to Know Natural Gas
Natural gas is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon found in sedimentary basins. Natural gas consists primarily of methane, with lesser amounts of ethane, propane, butane, pentanes and heavier hydrocarbons. In its natural state, natural gas is odourless and colourless. Natural gas is brought to the surface using wells that feed gathering systems that bring the natural gas to processing plants. Once processed, natural gas is transported, odourized and distributed by pipelines to customers throughout Canada and the United States. In addition to geologic natural gas supplies, there are growing volumes and opportunities to integrate renewable gases into the infrastructure network in Canada. These renewable gases include both hydrogen and renewable natural gas.