Natural gas and renewables partners in the journey to reduce emissions: Al Kaabi

HE Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, The President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, said it is important to collaborate for all concerned to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Speaking at the First Asia Green Growth Partnership Ministerial Meeting held virtually from Tokyo with the participation of Asian energy ministers, HE Al Kaabi highlighted that the energy transition requires a collective effort by producers, governments as well as the end-consumers, adding: “the energy transition is not as much about a transition in energy supply, but rather a transition in consumer behavior.”

HE Al Kaabi stressed the role of natural gas in the energy transition, saying: “We believe that natural gas and renewables are partners in the journey to reduce global carbon emissions. Gas will remain a much-needed energy source to manage intermittency issues and to offset fluctuations in demand both on a seasonal and daily basis.”

Addressing the inherent differences between countries in their respective transition paths, he mentioned that the “energy transition should take into consideration the requirements of the developing world, including up to one billion people who are deprived of electricity and basic fuels today. Developed countries have a responsibility to offer less developed countries support with climate-related capacity building, transfer of technology, and funding.”

He concluded his remarks by emphasizing that a “one size fits all” approach cannot be the answer to achieve global emission reduction aspirations and that differentiated solutions that reflect the specific circumstances and requirements of each country and sector will need to be deployed.

The Asia Green Growth Partnership Ministerial Meeting is held as part of Japan’s efforts to realize green growth, and to simultaneously achieve both economic growth and carbon neutrality in emerging economies such as those in Asia.