A Wood Mackenzie report highlights its role as a bridge between coal and renewables, with demand surging 80% in 25 years to nearly a quarter of global energy use.While renewables grow, they can’t meet rising demand alone, especially in Asia and Europe.
Gas offers flexibility, reliability, and a lower-carbon alternative to coal, which still supplies 30% of global energy.Southeast Asia plans to add 180 GW of gas power by 2050, while China and India’s demand may rise by 95 bcm.
However, high LNG prices hinder adoption, and without a $100/tonne carbon price, coal may remain dominant.Beyond power, gas supports low-carbon tech like CCS and blue hydrogen.
With green hydrogen still costly, blue hydrogen could drive early adoption, reaching 40 Mt capacity by 2050.Despite its role, gas faces criticism over methane emissions.
Cutting LNG supply chain emissions and scaling biomethane and e-methane will be key to its future.
