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
18 February 2026
With Texas LNG approaching financial close, Alaska LNG advancing towards a phased buildout and Magnolia LNG positioned for future optionality, Glenfarne CEO Brendan Duval says the coming year will demonstrate how the company’s more focused, owner-operator approach is reshaping LNG infrastructure development in the North America
18 February 2026
The global gas industry is no longer on the backfoot, hesitantly justifying the value of its product, but has greater confidence in gas remaining a core part of the global energy mix for decades
18 February 2026
With marketable supply unlikely to grow significantly and limited scope for pipeline imports, Brazil is expected to continue relying on LNG to cover supply shortfalls, Ieda Gomes, senior adviser of Brazilian thinktank FGV Energia,
tells Petroleum Economist
17 February 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 26–30 April 2026, will bring together leaders from the political, industrial, financial and technology sectors under the unifying theme “Pathways to an Energy Future for All”
