At the AIEN International Energy Summit, industry leaders engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the relevance of natural gas, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG), in shaping a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future.
The panel, moderated by Edward Taylor, Partner at A&O Shearman, brought together Andrew Kirk, Vice President Origination, LNG at B Grimm; Steve Morrell, Senior Vice President at ExxonMobil PNG LNG; and Matthew Skinner, Partner at A&O Shearman.
Andrew Kirk firmly believes that natural gas will continue to play a crucial role in the energy evolution.
“The issue with renewables capacity and their intermittent nature means we will continue to need natural gas,” he stated.
Kirk highlighted the limitations of current battery technologies and the geographical constraints of renewable energy sources, emphasising the challenges of transitioning directly to renewables for cities like Bangkok.
Steve Morrell echoed Kirk’s sentiments, underscoring the pertinence of the natural gas conversation in addressing emissions, geopolitical conflicts, and global living standards.
Andrew Kirk cautioned against ideological positions that dismiss natural gas without considering practical alternatives.
“We are far enough along the energy transition to separate the aspirational and the unachievable,” he said, warning that moving straight to renewables could create unstable energy grids and stifle economic growth.
With the global population projected to grow by two billion by 2050, Steve Morrell emphasised the increasing responsibility of energy companies to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions, where natural gas will play a significant role.
Both Kirk and Morrell highlighted the advantages of natural gas as a relatively cleaner alternative to coal, with existing infrastructure and the potential to reduce emissions by 60 per cent when replacing coal-fired power plants.
“One of the main problems is how to fill the gaps from renewables,” Andrew Kirk concluded.
“The answer is gas. The stage is set for a reasoned conversation about gas.”
The panel’s insights underscored the pivotal role of natural gas in bridging the energy transition, ensuring energy security, affordability, and sustainability as the world navigates the complex path towards a robust and sustainable energy future.
