The world is in continuous search for alternatives to polluting and carbon-intensive fuels.
Embracing a clean energy future is paramount as carbon-intensive fuels harm the overall environment and our health.
It is in this context the relevance of natural gas is increasing.
Although a fossil fuel, natural gas has proven to be relatively clean and has many other qualities that make it an efficient and economical energy source.
Burning natural gas for energy results in fewer emissions of nearly all types of air pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) than burning coal or petroleum products to produce an equal amount of energy.
About 117-lb of carbon dioxide are produced per million British thermal units (MMBtu) equivalent of natural gas compared with more than 200-lb of CO2 per MMBtu of coal and more than 160-lb per MMBtu of distillate fuel oil, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Natural gas’ clean burning properties have contributed to its increased use for electricity generation and as a transportation fuel for fleet vehicles across the world.
Natural gas is set to have the highest share in the primary global energy mix of 27% until 2050 as it continues to “receive positive policy support in several countries as an alternative to polluting and carbon-intensive fuels,” Doha-based Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) recently said.
According to a GECF study (GECF Global Gas Outlook 2050) natural gas, the fastest growing fossil fuel, is projected to rise by 1.3% per year from 3,924 bcm in 2018 to 5,966 bcm by 2050 driven by environmental concerns, air quality issues, coal-to-gas switching as well as economic and population growth.
Natural gas will be the only hydrocarbon resource to increase its share during the period under review.
The power generation (1.7% per year) and industrial (1.2% per year) sectors will be the biggest contributors, accounting for about 66% of additional gas demand volumes to 2050.
Gas production will rise by 1.3% per year to 2050, with North America accounting for the largest share of this growth, followed by Eurasia, Africa and the Middle East.
Qatar and four other producing countries will lead the growth in liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity over the next three decades during which $9.7tn has been earmarked for investment in the gas sector
Qatar is already moving forward with implementing its mega projects that will see the country’s LNG production rise from 77mn tonnes per year to 126mn tonnes per year by 2027.
This will not only enhance our ability and flexibility to meet additional demand but also help the shift to less carbon-intensive energy in many parts of the world.
In parallel, Qatar remains focused on achieving the highest environmental standards in its LNG industry to significantly reduce emissions by applying the best available industry technology and CO2 sequestration, points out HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi.
Undoubtedly, natural gas has a key role to play in addressing the global concerns on environmental pollution and climate change. Because, it is versatile, flexible, economic and clean.
