The global gas industry is committed to mitigating its environmental impact by accelerating efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire value chain. Regarding decarbonisation, the industry is advancing and deploying carbon emission reduction technologies, such as CCS and CCUS, and aggressively targeting methane emission mitigation. The industry is also advancing technological innovations such as scaling-up zero-carbon and low-carbon gases such as hydrogen, biomethane, and e-methane.

As defined by the UN, “Sustainable development requires an integrated approach that takes into consideration environmental concerns along with economic development." SDG 13: Climate Action calls for integrating measures to prevent climate change within development frameworks.

Natural gas is an indispensable solution to address energy challenges and climate change. Integrating renewable energy and natural gas will result in a more resilient energy system. Maximising gas benefits ensures an affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy supply for all.

The influencing factors of geopolitical conflicts, climate change, and emerging AI alongside the traditional inputs of economic, cultural, and natural conditions are all part of what influences regional and global energy policy. These mechanisms effect the energy landscape by impacting supply-demand energy structure shifts and technological evolutions.

Governments, companies, and investors will encounter new challenges and opportunities. Participants in the energy industry need to adjust strategies to adapt to new patterns and market conditions. What specific approaches should be taken? How can gas companies balance returns, operational risks, and transformation pressures brought on by energy policies?

COP28 witnessed an unprecedented agreement on transitioning away from fossil fuels in the UAE Consensus. There is a growing urgency to accelerate energy transition and address global emissions consistent with government climate commitments and targets. The regional and market challenges and priorities vary across the globe, and multiple pathways are being developed. There is growing recognition that the transition must be one that balances the energy trilemma of security of supply, affordability, and the environment.

Should the focus be solely on developing renewable energy sources, or should it be an integrated approach that balances the use of all available energy sources and renewables?

Differences in resource endowments, economic development stages, and social challenges significantly influence the global energy development landscape. Based on these differences, the pathways to addressing energy transition issues vary. Energy availability, accessibility, and affordability remain fundamental to societal progress.

What are the unique regional differences when it comes to gas development around the world?

As a capital-intensive, long-life asset sector, the energy industry requires ongoing significant financing for project development. As the energy transition continues from high-carbon to low-carbon emissions and ultimately to net-zero emissions, the industry will require access to significant financing.

What are the respective needs of consumers, governments, energy companies, and financial institutions to continue to invest and provide financing in the context of balancing energy transition and security?

Due to its liquidity and diverse applications, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a pivotal energy source. It also plays a vital role in curbing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing higher-carbon-emitting fuels and improving air quality. With its inherent flexibility and eco-friendly attributes, LNG holds strong potential across upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors.

However, the global LNG industry development is not without hurdles. Changing policies, environmental imperatives, varied socio-economic landscapes, and market volatility pose formidable challenges. Nevertheless, multinational cooperation and transactions facilitate market openness, creating opportunities for LNG industry development. The global LNG trade landscape is continually changing. What does the future hold for the continued growth of LNG?

In an era of digitalisation and technological innovation, the energy sector has unprecedented opportunities for the future. Through continuous exploration and application of advanced technologies like AI, it is more possible to establish intelligent, efficient, and sustainable energy systems.

How can digitalisation and technological innovation be utilised to achieve a sustainable future?

Natural gas plays a central role in the global economy with approximately one-fifth of the world’s energy used today coming from natural gas. Consensus is growing that natural gas will continue to fill a key role in a secure global energy future. Producers continue to strive for better environmental performance and greater transparency on impacts while working to ensure natural gas remains reliable and affordable for consumers. Various factors, including energy and environmental policy, climate science, carbon management, energy economics, cybersecurity, information technology, and artificial intelligence, are influencing the natural gas industry to varying degrees.

How will natural gas play a role in future energy systems, and what exciting opportunities can be expected for those wishing to have a career in natural gas-supplied future energy systems?