WGC 2018: Gas faces political, environmental risks
Natural gas may be the best solution to emissions goals, but the world needs to be convinced, say industry heads
Speaking at World Gas Conference 2018, a panel including Qatar Petroleum's Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, BP's Bob Dudley and Total's Patrick Pouyanne suggested natural gas could take an even greater stake in energy markets in the years ahead. But they each tempered their arguments by pointing out that it's equally likely that natural gas could become the temporary, bridging solution between fossil fuels and renewables. "In the race to reduce emissions, we must make the case for gas to reduce doubt. We need to educate people about its benefits," said Dudley. If gas is to be chosen over cheaper but less environmentally beneficial energy sources such as coal, said Dudley, gas companies must focus on w
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices






