Gas offers bridge to a low-carbon future
The energy transition offers the sector an opportunity, but it should not be complacent
Conventional wisdom holds that gas will be the most resilient of the fossil fuels through the energy transition, and that it is a relative winner because of its low carbon intensity on burning. Yet, with radical change set to sweep through energy markets, the industry cannot be complacent about its future. Gas will have to contend with intensifying competition among fuels, disruption from new technologies and decarbonisation policies designed to undermine fossil fuels’ dominance of energy supply. Varied regional risks In Europe, it is likely that policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will continue to eat away at gas demand. Today, gas demand is c.500bn m³/yr, down by 10pc from the peak
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
