Gas, power and AI’s role in the new age of energy addition | Energy News
Energy Executives at LNG 2026 Point to Growing Demand and the Evolving Role of Gas
DOHA, Qatar — The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by a resurgence in demand for natural gas and a redefinition of the energy sector. This shift was highlighted at the LNG 2026 conference held at Qatar’s convention center, where leading figures from major energy companies convened to discuss the future of energy supply.
Notable speakers included Saad Sherida al-Kaabi of QatarEnergy, Juan S. Gonzalez of Shell, Darren Woods of ExxonMobil, Patrick Pouyanne of TotalEnergies, and Ryan Lance of ConocoPhillips. They collectively emphasized that the age of gas is not diminishing but instead accelerating amidst rising global energy needs.
The executives noted that advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and the growth of data centers, along with population increases, are pushing the energy system to unprecedented scales. They warned that current infrastructure and policies are struggling to keep pace with this rising demand.
Reflecting on these challenges, the terminology used within the industry is evolving. Companies no longer solely identify as “international oil companies.” Instead, they now refer to themselves as “international energy companies,” signaling a broader mission to manage various energy sources and supply chains as global demand grows.
The conference highlighted ambitious projections, with global liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand expected to rise from 400 million tonnes annually to 600 million tonnes by 2030, potentially reaching 800 million tonnes by 2050. This marks natural gas as the fastest-growing fuel among non-renewables.
QatarEnergy, for instance, is undertaking significant expansions in LNG production and is set to establish a fleet of approximately 200 LNG carriers. In collaboration with ExxonMobil, QatarEnergy is also developing an 18 million MMBtu LNG facility in the United States, alongside emerging supply sources in Canadian, African, and South American markets.
The conference also addressed the impact of geopolitical events, notably the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has reshaped European energy security. The disruption of Russian gas supplies compelled Europe to pivot swiftly to LNG imports, effectively tripling its intake and positioning the continent as a major player in the LNG market.
As fresh supplies become available, industry leaders anticipate a decrease in prices, which could subsequently stimulate demand from Asian markets that have been cost-constrained.
Despite predictions that oil use would decline dramatically by 2030, demand has remained robust. Qatar, which ranks highly in global oil reserves, is actively exploring new oil ventures as executives emphasize the necessity of both oil and gas in meeting global energy needs.
The emergence of artificial intelligence has rapidly altered the energy demand landscape, as data centers consume unprecedented amounts of electricity. According to industry leaders, this shift signifies a decisive departure from two decades of stable demand, pushing the energy sector into what they describe as “hyper-scaling mode.”
While no one dismissed the importance of renewable energy sources, executives cautioned that wind and solar power have inherent limitations. They pointed out that as reliance on these sources grows, the grid faces increasing stress, and gas remains an essential component for maintaining stability during periods of low renewable output.
However, the path ahead is fraught with complexities, including permitting delays, infrastructure bottlenecks, and community resistance to new projects. Executives voiced concerns over outdated regulatory frameworks that can hinder the development of energy infrastructure.
Sustainability remains a focal point for energy companies, with a growing emphasis on reducing emissions and integrating technologies like carbon capture and storage. While immediate demand surges can overshadow environmental issues, industry leaders acknowledge the need for long-term strategies to navigate climate challenges.
As the industry adapts, executives are positioning gas to play a vital role not just as a transitional energy source but as a stabilizing force to support burgeoning global demands. They are betting that the intersection of advancing technologies and economic growth will necessitate a reliable and efficient energy supply.
In a world where around five billion people lack adequate energy access, as well articulated by al-Kaabi, the need for affordable and abundant energy is paramount. The sentiment is clear among energy producers: as they build towards a future marked by growing demand, gas will serve as the foundation for a stable energy framework.
