The continued rise of natural gas and LNG

As energy demand continues to rise due to fast-growing populations, industrialisation and the unprecedented acceleration of AI and data centres, natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) are emerging as essential components in the inclusive approach to energy needed to advance a resilient, low-carbon, high-growth future.

The flexibility and versatility of natural gas, particularly in LNG form, make it well-suited for diversifying energy sources, reducing dependence on coal and oil, and integrating effectively with renewable sources – helping to meet sharply rising global energy demand while advancing a resilient, low-carbon future. Global market dynamics continue to evolve, driven by regional agendas, including shifts in supply-demand patterns and geopolitical considerations.

China remains the world's largest LNG buyer, with demand driven by industrial sectors and expanding regasification capacity. The EU, currently a significant LNG importer having purchased 43% of US LNG exports in 2024, faces challenges due to expected declining demand and climate goals. Meanwhile, the US has emerged as a major exporter, while Japan's natural gas demand has declined as it restarts nuclear power plants, reinforcing its energy diversification strategy.

Attendee insights:

Gain valuable perspective on natural gas and LNG's pivotal role in the global energy mix, examining evolving supply-demand dynamics across the US, Europe and Asia, and exploring opportunities to harness diverse forms of energy to fuel inclusive growth.

The strategic advantage of natural gas and LNG in the energy transition

Natural gas - and LNG in particular – is forecast to play an important role as the fuel of choice in the multifaceted energy system. However, although natural gas is supporting global energy security, particularly in Europe, where LNG supplies have increased by 15% since 2022, many argue gas should not be considered a long-term solution and its transition needs to be fast tracked. Many markets, particularly Asian, will look to affordable and secure LNG supply in their efforts to phase out coal in the decades ahead. Additionally, access to gas supplies will potentially play an important role in securing new energy supply to meet high volume AI demand. Given the conflicting pressures on gas production, what is the long-term future for natural gas? How can LNG establish itself as the fuel of choice during the energy transition and beyond?

Attendee insights:

Understand the role of natural gas and LNG during the energy transition, the perspectives on what role it may play in the long-term, including meeting high volume AI demand, and what may enhance or impede its growth potential in the global energy mix.