Opportunities for the complementary use of natural gas and renewable energy technologies are illustrated by the gas-supported solar thermal system developed in California by Luz International. On the other hand, the low cost of natural gas is a serious obstacle to renewables. In recent years, gas has fueled most new generating plants built or planned in the United States. The prospect of improved drilling methods and continued low prices, as predicted by the Energy Information Administration, have caused a substantial reduction in the government's estimated contribution of renewable energy to U.S. energy consumption over the next decade. However, the price of gas reflects not only supply and demand, but also discoveries and changes in technology.
Price is therefore difficult to predict.
The EIA has notoriously overestimated prices in past forecasts, but recently reduced its predicted price rises dramatically. Renewable energy technologies would provide consumers a hedge against such disconcerting swings and facilitate the job of energy planners. Unlike oil, gas is not easily or cheaply transported, and it is not uniformly available. For many countries, gas is unlikely to be a viable energy option. Moreover, transporting gas via ship or pipeline raises concerns about leakage, which would mitigate some of its environmental advantage.