What is a primary source of natural gas for power plants?

Natural gas, derived primarily from underground reservoirs or extracted from shale deposits, serves as a direct fuel for power generation in gas-fired power plants. These plants rely on natural gas for combustion to produce electricity, making natural gas itself a primary source. Its use has grown significantly in the power sector due to its efficiency and lower carbon emissions compared to coal and oil. The transition toward natural gas is also supported by its ability to provide reliable baseload and peaking power, essential for meeting electricity demand.

Coal, petroleum, and renewable sources are not considered primary sources of natural gas for power generation. While coal has traditionally been used for power generation, it is not a source of natural gas. Petroleum is primarily used in different applications, such as transportation and heating, and does not provide natural gas for power plants. Renewable sources, like wind and solar, offer alternatives to fossil fuels but do not supply natural gas. Therefore, the most appropriate answer regarding a primary source for power plants is indeed natural gas itself.