TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Natural gas is an energy source derived from fossil animals, plants, and microorganisms stored underground for thousands to millions of years. While it is widely used for electricity generation and industrial purposes, it is important to note that natural gas is not a renewable resource.

The United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported the total natural gas production of 90 countries in 2022. The data is presented in quadrillion BTUs or the equivalent of one trillion cubic feet (Tcf).

Here are the top ten largest natural gas-producing countries in the world:

1. United States

The United States produced 37.662 quadrillion BTUs of natural gas in 2022. Its significant reserves are primarily located in the Marcellus and Permian basins, with major contributions from states such as Texas, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, West Virginia, and Oklahoma.

2. Russia

Russia's natural gas production reached 23.437 quadrillion BTUs in 2022. Gazprom, a state-owned energy company, oversees all natural gas projects, including extraction and an extensive pipeline network across Europe and Asia.

3. Iran

Iran produced 9.818 quadrillion BTUs of natural gas in 2022 and holds one of the largest natural gas reserves globally. The South Pars/North Dome Field, jointly managed with Qatar, contains most of the country's natural gas resources, and Iran has made substantial investments in infrastructure to meet domestic and export demands.

4. China

With natural gas reserves concentrated in the Tarim, Sichuan, and Ordos River basins, China's production reached 7.995 quadrillion BTUs in 2022. Notable companies involved in exploration, production, and distribution include China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec).

5. Canada

Canada recorded a total natural gas production of 6.98 quadrillion BTUs in 2022, largely coming from provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. The Montney and Duvernay formations also contribute significantly to the country's natural gas output.

6. Qatar

As one of the largest natural gas-producing countries in the world, reported production of 6.654 quadrillion BTUs in 2022. It shares the vast South Pars/North Dome field, the largest non-associated natural gas field in the Persian Gulf, with Iran. Qatar is also the world's major producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG)

7. Australia

In 2022, Australia's natural gas production was estimated at 5.728 quadrillion BTUs, with a majority of resources located on the North West Shelf. Top energy companies in Australia include Woodside Energy Group Ltd, Origin Energy Ltd, Santos Ltd, BHP, and Beach Energy Ltd.

8. Norway

Norway's natural gas production, totaling 4.603 quadrillion BTUs, mainly comes from the Continental Shelf in the North Sea, particularly from fields such as Nyhamma (Ormen Lange) and Snohvit. Equinor (formerly Statoil), a state-owned energy company, plays a leading role in exploration, production, and export activities.

9. Saudi Arabia

In 2022, Saudi Arabia produced approximately 4.506 quadrillion BTUs of natural gas, with major fields situated in the Rub Al Khali, Shaybah, and Ghawar basins. The country continues to expand infrastructure and explore new areas to boost production.

10. Algeria

Algeria's natural gas production reached 3.778 quadrillion BTUs in 2022, with the state-owned energy company Sonatrach being a key player in exploration and extraction activities. The country's largest gas field is the Hassi R'Mel field.

Indonesia, meanwhile, ranks 14th in natural gas production, with a total output of 2.21 quadrillion BTUs. Most of its natural gas resources are located offshore in the Natuna Sea, East Kalimantan, and Papua, managed by PT Pertamina through PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN).

MELYNDA DWI PUSPITA

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