Natural Gas Energy Industry Overview for Manufacturers

Carbon Capture

As the United States accelerates efforts to reduce carbon emissions, carbon capture from natural gas power generation is emerging as a critical strategy for meeting climate goals—while supporting economic growth in energy-intensive regions like Appalachia.

This in-depth report explores:

  • The current and projected role of natural gas in U.S. electricity generation
  • The growth potential of the carbon capture market, including up to 1.8 million job opportunities
  • Key drivers, including government incentives and environmental policy
  • Major technical and economic challenges to implementation
  • A detailed breakdown of a full-scale carbon capture system for natural gas power plants
  • U.S. maps of carbon capture projects, CO₂ storage capacity, and natural gas infrastructure

Produced by the Energy & Manufacturing in Appalachia (EMA) program with support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, this report is an essential resource for manufacturers, energy stakeholders, policymakers, and supply chain partners looking to understand and act on carbon capture opportunities.

Download the Full Natural Gas: Carbon Capture Report to explore how carbon capture can power sustainable growth for the natural gas and manufacturing industries.

Natural Gas: Upstream

The upstream natural gas sector is one of the most significant drivers of energy and manufacturing growth across Appalachia. From well site construction and drilling to completions, water management, and long-term production, this industry supports a vast network of suppliers and manufacturers.

Our Natural Gas: Upstream Overview Report provides a comprehensive look at this critical segment of the energy supply chain—highlighting opportunities for manufacturers, supply chain partners, and communities across the Appalachian region.

Explore how shale gas development in the Marcellus and Utica formations drives over 30% of U.S. production and shapes today’s energy landscape. The report outlines the full upstream process—from exploration and drilling to long-term production—while pinpointing where manufacturers can supply key products like valves, cement, fabrication, and erosion control. Learn about water recycling innovations, detailed supply chain maps, and essential industry resources supporting growth in energy and manufacturing.

Natural Gas: Biogas & Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)

Explore how biogas and renewable natural gas (RNG) are shaping the future of clean energy and manufacturing in Appalachia. This report provides an in-depth look at the technologies, market trends, and innovation driving growth across the biogas and RNG sectors.

Learn about U.S. production capacity, key market drivers, emerging business models, and the role these renewable fuels play in decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries like steel, cement, and chemicals. The report also highlights leading developers, technology providers, and industry associations working to advance sustainable energy solutions.

Developed through the Energy & Manufacturing in Appalachia (EMA) program and the Penn State Extension Energy Team, this resource helps manufacturers and energy stakeholders understand how biogas and RNG can support energy efficiency, lower emissions, and create new economic opportunities across the region.

Natural Gas: Midstream

The midstream natural gas sector provides the key infrastructure to move natural gas from markets of development to utilization. The intricate national pipeline system is key to keeping energy costs affordable. From pipeline construction, to maintenance, to operations, the midstream sector supports a wide array of manufacturers and suppliers across the Appalachian Basin.

Our Natural Gas: Midstream Overview Report outlines the key steps in pipeline development helping manufacturers identify where they can enter the supply chain. The report highlights recent developments and areas where the midstream sector is focused on for growth.

Learn more about the development process, equipment needs, timeline, and key operators who are operating in the Appalachian Basin. Additional resources are provided to state up to date on the trends, opportunities, and developments related to the midstream sector.

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Return to the Energy Supply Chains page to access additional reports and information.

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