In the Canadian province of Alberta, plentiful bituminous sands are processed to yield oil. In Brazil, biomass in the form of sugar cane pulp is used to produce fuel for automobiles. Gas fuels include natural and manufactured gases. Such fuels flow easily through pipes and are used to provide energy for homes, businesses, and industries. In many countries, vast networks of pipelines bring gas fuels to millions of consumers.
Natural gas is used to heat buildings, cook food, and provide energy for industries.
It consists chiefly of methane, a colorless and odorless gas. Natural gas is usually mixed with compounds of the foul-smelling element sulfur so gas leaks can be detected. Butane and propane, which make up a small proportion of natural gas, become liquids when placed under large amounts of pressure. When pressure is released, they change back into gas. They provide energy for motor homes and can serve as fuel for people who live far from natural gas pipelines.