https://www.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/monthly/
US Natural Gas & Petroleum Products by use - data to October 2020
So switching from natural gas to solar + wind for electricity will reduce but not demolish natural gas use and production.
True but commercial and residential uses are mostly heating which is readily replaceable with heat pumps.
Readily replaceable with heat pumps?Doable ? Yes
LONG-term costs savings ? Yes
The industry base? Currently small but growing. Even with Governments throwing money at it this is a very long-term project. I don't expect a big impact by 2030.
Residential
The Advantages of Heat Pumps- Heat pumps are much safer than systems that are based on combustion.
- They are cheaper to run than oil and gas boilers.
- The system reduces your carbon emissions, and it has an efficient conversion rate of energy to heat.
- Less maintenance than combustion heating systems.
- Can provide cooling during the summer, effectively making it an air conditioner.
- They have a very long lifespan of up to 50 years. As a result, they are extremely reliable and a steady source of heat.
- (UK)You may be eligible for payment under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.
The Disadvantages of Heat Pumps- Heat pump systems have a high start-up cost.
- They are fairly difficult to install, especially as research must be undertaken in order to understand the movement of heat, local geology, as well as the heating and cooling requirements for your household.
- Some of the fluids used for heat transfer are of questionable sustainability, and they raise environmental concerns. Hence it is recommended to use biodegradable fluids.
- The installation process will mean significant work and disruption to your house and garden. Work will have to be done on the actual building, including penetration of the walls.
- Some heat pumps experience trouble in cold areas which can damage the system. Therefore, full efficiency during the cold seasons cannot be reached. However, there are possibilities of an upgraded heat pump system that could overcome this problem.
- Electricity is required to run the heat pumps, which means that they will never be entirely carbon neutral.
- (UK) Special planning permissions are required in Wales and Northern Ireland, whilst in England and Scotland, it depends on your location and size of your property.
I would love to do it but despite all the Government blah-blah it is still in the too-hard basket.