Outlook 2022: Fossil fuels still have generation role to play
Extreme price volatility as electricity systems adapt to greater intermittent renewable penetration serves as a reminder of the role legacy assets still have to play
We have experienced a year of great change and volatility in global energy markets, as the world has gradually recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic. Power generation from renewable sources took on greater importance as countries looked to meet their net zero requirements, coal plants were phased out and many countries relied on gas-fired generation as a transitional resource when the wind did not blow or the sun did not shine. Soaring gas prices—due mainly to reduced supplies and higher demand as the world came out of the pandemic—regularly put electricity systems under pressure. The wholesale price of gas in December 2021 was approximately five times that of December 2020. Are these trends
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic






