Ecological efficiency of production and application of natural gas on the basis of its full life cycle estimation
On example of life cycle estimation for natural gas and other hydrocarbon fuels the paper presents a procedure for assessment of carbonic traces together with evaluation of other not less important issues such as impact to human health, protection of environment and biological diversification. In course of studying the relative components of the production life cycle for hydrocarbon fuel - from extraction of raw hydrocarbons to a stage of fuel application - consumption of energy and mineral resources, losses of raw hydrocarbons and potential negative impact to environment are analyzed. Comparative assessment of ecological challenges by criteria characterizing ecological efficacy of motor fuels within their life cycles shows the absolute advantages of natural gas used as motor fuel. Besides, the paper reveals the main procedural approaches to detection of carbonic traces in Russian natural gas being supplied by the export routes to the EU countries.