Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG): Technology, Environmental Implications, and Economics

Increasing demand for natural gas and high natural gas prices in the recent past has led many to pursue unconventional methods of natural gas production. Natural gas that can be produced from coal or biomass is known as "synthetic natural gas" or "substitute natural gas" (SNG). This paper examines the different technologies for SNG generation, the cost and the environmental impacts. The paper identifies the conditions under which SNG production could be economically viable.