The main advantage of natural gas over coal for electricity generation is that it produces fewer carbon emissions.

Natural gas has a significant environmental advantage over coal for electricity generation because it produces fewer carbon emissions when burned. While both are fossil fuels, natural gas generates approximately 50% less carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit of electricity produced compared to coal. This makes natural gas a cleaner alternative for power plants aiming to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, natural gas combustion emits fewer pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to air pollution and acid rain. These factors have made natural gas an important transition fuel in the shift toward cleaner energy sources.