Gas & Manufacturing

By Dan McVey, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer — Gas Operations

Ohio is a state with a rich industrial background and has benefited from the use of natural gas in the manufacturing sector. Natural gas, a clean-burning fossil fuel, has become a vital energy source for the state's manufacturers. It also has several economic, environmental and operational benefits.

BENEFITS OF NATURAL GAS

One of the key benefits of natural gas is its low cost. Ohio has access to some of the largest reserves of natural gas in the country which has led to lower natural gas prices. This low cost of energy enables manufacturers to save significant amounts of money on energy expenses, increasing their profitability and competitiveness.

Another benefit of natural gas is that it burns clean. Natural gas produces low emissions of greenhouse gases making it an environmentally friendly energy source. This is critical where the manufacturing sector is a major contributor to the state's economy and has been under pressure to reduce its impact on the environment.

The reliability and consistency of natural gas supply is another advantage for manufacturers in Ohio. Unlike other forms of energy, natural gas moves through a vast network of pipelines providing a consistent and stable supply of energy to manufacturers. This reliability is critical for manufacturing processes, as fluctuations in energy supply can result in lost production, increased costs and decreased competitiveness.

OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY

In addition to its economic and environmental benefits, natural gas has also had a positive impact on the operational efficiency of manufacturers. The use of natural gas in processes such as heating, cooling and power generation allows manufacturers to optimize their operations and improve their overall efficiency. This results in increased productivity and reduced costs making Ohio's manufacturing sector more competitive and sustainable.

In recent years, Ohio has made significant investments in the development of natural gas infrastructure. The state worked to expand its pipeline network, build new natural gas-fired power plants and encourages the use of natural gas vehicles. These investments further enhance the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas which results in Ohio being a leader in the use of this clean energy source.

Manufacturing facilities at Central Ohio Aerospace Technology Center in Heath

Natural gas plays a significant role in the success of Ohio's manufacturing sector. Its low cost, cleanburning nature, reliability and operational benefits have all contributed to the competitiveness and sustainability of the state's manufacturing industry.

With continued investment in natural gas infrastructure, Ohio is well-positioned to continue to reap the benefits of this clean energy source for years to come.