The photo is sourced from photo.roscongress.org
The world’s demand for gas will be on the rise in the next few years, due in particular to demographic factors: according to Hamel, 1.7 bn people will be added to the global population by 2050. However some regions still experience energy poverty. “As of now, 700 mln people globally have no access to electricity, and 2 bn do not have clean cooking facilities,” Mr. Hamel stated, noting that gas can make energy more accessible while also reducing environmental risks, including in developing countries. “All over the world, about 2 mln people die of carbon monoxide poisoning every year, attributable in particular to the use of cooking wood,” he pointed out. The problem can be addressed by switching to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is becoming increasingly common in African countries.
Natural gas can also serve as a balancing fuel when electricity is generated from weather-sensitive renewable energy sources (RES). Hamel noted that, apart from wind and solar generators, this includes hydro power plants whose output may drop in dry periods. “Natural gas is also instrumental in eradicating poverty and ensuring food security,” he added when describing the role of gas in the production of mineral fertilizer.
Over the next few years, gas demand will be primarily supported by the development of natural gas conversion as well as technological solutions minimizing methane and CO2 emissions, Hamel believes.
