Phasellus ullamcorper commodo quam, id vehicula enim egestas et. Cras non augue rhoncus, placerat odio vitae, dignissim dui. Pellentesque fermentum nisi turpis, eget laoreet lectus bibendum quis. Aliquam nec urna ac risus suscipit imperdiet vel id sapien. Vivamus non rutrum purus, vel vehicula urna. Ut interdum ultrices arcu.

As the world strives to balance the urgent need to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with rising energy demand, addressing this dual challenge is especially critical for low- and middle-income countries. According to the 8th edition of the GECF Global Gas Outlook (GGO), global primary energy demand is expected to rise by 20% by 2050, with over 80% of this increase concentrated in Africa and developing Asia. In these regions, aspirations for higher living standards and economic growth are driving energy consumption, which is essential for fulfilling basic human needs and meeting the UN SDGs. As a cleaner energy source, natural gas offers a practical pathway to modern energy solutions for these economies, supporting an orderly and sustainable transition. Adopting natural gas as a cornerstone of modern energy aligns with SDG 7, which emphasises affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy as a foundation for development. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted that "Energy is also critical for achieving almost all other global goals." Affordable, abundant, and reliable energy is crucial for eradicating poverty (SDG 1), a pressing issue in Africa where over 455 million people lived below the poverty line before the COVID-19 pandemic, with an additional 30 million people affected since. The figure below provides a simplified view of how affordable energy supports several key SDGs, showing how access to energy lays the groundwork for broader socio-economic progress. Energy poverty, exacerbated by rising energy and commodity prices, has become a global challenge that underscores the need for reliable and affordable energy options. The impact of clean and accessible energy extends to health improvements (SDG 3), as WHO considers health to be "inextricably linked" with energy. This link extends to quality education (SDG 4), where energy access is essential for comprehensive learning environments, from advanced laboratories to basic classroom lighting. Affordable energy also promotes industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), enhances access to clean water (SDG 6), supports job creation and economic growth (SDG 8), and plays a role in combating climate change (SDG 13). These connections underscore the transformative role of affordable energy in spurring economic growth—a need that is particularly urgent for Africa's development and prosperity. As the world faces the urgent need to meet the UN SDGs versus the rising energy demand, according to the 8th edition of the GECF Global Gas Outlook (GGO), global primary energy demand is expected to increase by 20%, with over 80% of this rise concentrated in low- and middle-income countries across Africa and developing Asia. In these regions, ambitions for higher living standards and economic growth drive energy consumption, essential for meeting basic human needs and fulfilling UN Sustainable Development Goals. For many of these economies, natural gas offers cleaner fuel, supporting the transition to modern energy sources. The adoption of natural gas as a critical fuel for modern energy,  UN SDG 7 goals, with affordable energy as the central pillar, represents one of the most sustainable pathways for developing the African economy. The World Health Organization (WHO) has affirmed that "Energy is also critical for achieving almost all other global goals." Affordable, reliable, and abundant energy is crucial for Africa to eradicate poverty urgently (SDG 1), given that more than 455 million people lived below the poverty line just before the COVID-19 pandemic, with a further 30 million added to this figure after the pandemic. For simplicity, the Figure below provides a link between some of the UN SDGs to avoid a complicated diagram involving all SDGs. Pronounced energy poverty is becoming a global challenge due to the spike in energy and commodity prices, underscoring the need for a more reliable and affordable energy option. Clean, reliable, and affordable energy significantly impacts advanced health (SDG 3), as the WHO considers health to be "inextricably linked" with energy. This link also extends to providing quality education for all (SDG 4), where modern, affordable energy is essential for rigorous and comprehensive learning tools and solutions, ranging from sophisticated laboratories to essential classroom lighting. Moreover, affordable energy access creates an enabling environment for industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), providing options for cheap technologies to ensure clean water (SDG 6), improve job security and economic growth (SDG 8), and combat climate change (SDG 13). These linkages underscore affordable energy's unprecedented scientific and historical significance in launching economic growth, which the world needs now more than ever.

Globally, over 2.1 billion people rely on traditional cooking methods—including firewood, charcoal, and agricultural residues. The widespread use of these solid fuels, especially in rural and low-income areas, poses significant health, environmental, and socio-economic challenges. Traditional biomass cooking methods are inefficient and release high levels of indoor air pollutants, including carbon monoxide and fine particulate matter. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), household air pollution from biomass cooking contributes to approximately 3.8 million premature deaths annually, making it a leading health risk factor in developing countries. In addition to severe health impacts, biomass use contributes to deforestation, soil degradation, and carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change and biodiversity loss.

Addressing the clean cooking challenge requires transitioning to cleaner fuels such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), pipeline natural gas (PNG), electric cooking, ethanol, biogas, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and solar cooking, among others. These options offer viable and scalable solutions for reducing indoor air pollution, environmental degradation, and health risks. Among these alternatives, LPG and PNG stand out for their availability, affordability, and ease of distribution, making them practical choices for many regions, especially in areas where setting up electric infrastructure is challenging. However, successfully implementing these clean cooking solutions demands comprehensive support through policy frameworks, technology transfer, financing, and capacity-building initiatives. Each strategy requires tailored approaches to meet the unique needs of different regions and communities effectively.

Clean air is essential for health, environmental balance, and overall quality of life. Natural, unpolluted air primarily consists of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and trace gases, including carbon dioxide and argon, essential for supporting life and environmental processes. However, rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, and reliance on fossil fuels have increased air pollution levels globally, with cities like Beijing becoming focal points in the discussion on air quality management. Clean air is defined by low levels of pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and ground-level ozone (O₃), which are known to contribute to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and environmental degradation. Beijing's journey with air quality exemplifies both the challenges and progress cities face in combating pollution. Beijing experienced some of the world’s highest pollution levels for many years due to rapid economic growth, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust. Particularly concerning were levels of PM2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres), which can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, posing severe health risks. In 2013, air quality in Beijing reached critical levels, with the average PM2.5 concentration exceeding 90 µg/m³—well above the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limit of 10 µg/m³ as an annual average. In response to these health and environmental concerns, the Chinese government has implemented stringent measures to reduce pollution and improve air quality across major cities, including Beijing. Key policies included limiting coal consumption, transitioning to natural gas for heating, closing or relocating heavy-polluting industries, enforcing strict vehicle emissions standards, and promoting electric vehicles. Additionally, Beijing invested in green infrastructure and expanded urban green spaces, which help absorb pollutants and provide natural air filtration. By 2020, these efforts yielded significant improvements: PM2.5 levels in Beijing dropped to an annual average of 38 µg/m³, a substantial improvement though still above WHO recommendations. Despite the progress, Beijing continues to face challenges in achieving clean air standards, particularly during winter when heating demand spikes and coal consumption rises. The city's experience illustrates the complexity of air quality management in densely populated, industrialised urban areas. It also underscores the role of government policies, public awareness, and technological innovation in driving air quality improvements. Ongoing efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources, strengthen emissions regulations, and enhance urban planning are essential as Beijing works toward further reducing pollution. The city's journey offers valuable lessons for other urban centres grappling with similar air quality challenges, highlighting the need for a multi-faceted approach to achieve natural, clean air.

In the context of climate change and the urgency of global energy transitions, partnerships between natural gas and renewable energy are pivotal in driving decarbonisation, energy access, and economic development. As countries strive to meet their climate pledges, the transition must balance sustainable development goals with the need for reliable, affordable, and low-carbon energy. This side event aims to showcase the synergies between natural gas and renewable energy, exploring how they can collaboratively support sustainable, inclusive, and orderly transitions.

Natural gas, as the least carbon-intensive hydrocarbon, provides a flexible complement to renewable energy, especially in regions where balancing supply and demand is challenging due to the variability and intermittency of renewables. It offers a stable, low-carbon foundation that facilitates the broader integration of renewables into the energy mix, thereby supporting emissions reduction, sustainable development, and energy security objectives. Additionally, incorporating renewable electricity in natural gas production operations is an effective strategy to decarbonise the natural gas supply chain, further reducing its overall carbon footprint.

Coal-to-gas switching is a strategy that involves replacing coal with natural gas in power generation and industrial processes, and it has emerged as a key approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Coal is among the most carbon-intensive fuels, with a high level of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions per unit of energy produced. Natural gas, on the other hand, is a much cleaner-burning fuel; it emits roughly 50% less CO₂ than coal when used for power generation(World Resources Institute) and produces lower levels of pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM)(WHO). This reduction in pollutants contributes to cleaner air, public health benefits, and progress towards climate goals, making coal-to-gas switching a critical tool for countries and industries aiming to lower their environmental footprint. The role of coal-to-gas switching in emission reduction has been particularly evident in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, where increased natural gas production and market competitiveness have enabled a significant shift from coal. For instance, in the United States, the increased use of natural gas for electricity generation contributed to a 32% reduction in energy-related CO₂ emissions between 2005 and 2019(US EIA). In the United Kingdom, coal’s share in power generation fell from around 40% in 2012 to less than 2% by 2020, largely due to a transition to natural gas and renewable energy sources. This switch has had measurable environmental impacts, contributing substantially to emission reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement and aiding in the improvement of air quality. Globally, coal-to-gas switching is increasingly viewed as a “bridge” solution—one that helps reduce emissions in the short to medium term while countries work to expand renewable energy capacity. Natural gas-fired plants can provide reliable, flexible power, complementing intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. This flexibility makes natural gas a valuable partner in the energy transition, especially in regions where coal is currently dominant and immediate transition to 100% renewables is not feasible due to technical, economic, or infrastructure constraints. Consequently, to maximise the environmental benefits of coal-to-gas switching, it is essential to invest in advanced technologies for methane capture, improve efficiency in gas infrastructure, and ultimately pair natural gas use with carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions.  This approach remains a powerful means of achieving rapid emission reductions and improving air quality, underscoring its importance in global climate strategies.

Natural gas plays a crucial role in global food security through its use as a primary feedstock for nitrogen-based fertilisers, which is essential for enhancing agricultural productivity. Roughly 80% of the world’s ammonia production, the foundation for most nitrogen fertilisers, relies on natural gas as a hydrogen source through the Haber-Bosch process (Smil, 2001). This process combines nitrogen from the air with hydrogen from natural gas under high temperatures and pressure to produce ammonia, a compound critical to soil enrichment and crop yield improvement (Apodaca, 2020). Without ammonia-based fertilisers, the global food supply would struggle to meet the demands of a growing population, as nearly half of the world’s food production relies on these fertilisers to sustain high yields(Erisman et al. 2008).

Using natural gas in fertiliser production directly supports food security by boosting crop growth and helping maintain soil health. Nitrogen fertilisers contribute to higher crop yields for foods like wheat, rice, and corn, essential to global nutrition(FAO, 2019). Studies indicate that, without nitrogen fertilisers, global food production could decline by as much as 50%, underscoring the importance of natural gas in sustaining agricultural output to meet increasing demand (Stewart, 2005). In regions with high population growth, such as Asia and Africa, the reliance on natural gas-derived fertilisers is even more critical, as these areas experience heightened food security challenges that fertilisers can help address.

Although the natural gas-intensive process of fertiliser production has raised environmental concerns, mainly due to CO₂ emissions and the energy-intensive nature of ammonia synthesis, the fertiliser industry has begun exploring low-carbon technologies to decarbonise the ammonia production value chain. However, natural gas remains the most efficient and economically viable option for large-scale ammonia production, especially in developing countries where access to low-cost, reliable natural gas supplies is critical for food security (Huang, 2017).

Through its role in fertiliser production, natural gas contributes significantly to the resilience of food systems. By supporting higher yields and more robust crop growth, natural gas-derived fertilisers ensure that more food can be produced on limited arable land, reducing the pressure to convert natural ecosystems into farmland. In the context of sustainable agriculture and global food security, the availability and stability of natural gas for fertiliser production are vital for feeding a rapidly growing global population.

 

 

References

1.     Smil, V. (2001). Enriching the Earth: Fritz Haber, Carl Bosch, and the Transformation of World Food Production. The MIT Press.

2. Apodaca, L. E. (2020). “Ammonia Production.” U.S. Geological Survey. https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nmic/ammonia-statistics-and-information.

3.     Erisman, J. W., Sutton, M. A., Galloway, J., Klimont, Z., & Winiwarter, W. (2008). "How a century of ammonia synthesis changed the world." Nature Geoscience, 1(10), 636-639.

4.     FAO. (2019). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. http://www.fao.org/publications/sofi/2019/en/.

5.     Stewart, W. M., Dibb, D. W., Johnston, A. E., & Smyth, T. J. (2005). "The Contribution of Commercial Fertilizer Nutrients to Food Production." Agronomy Journal, 97(1), 1-6.

6.     Huang, Y., Sun, W., Zheng, W., Tian, D., & Hao, Y. (2017). "Efficiency and environmental impacts of ammonia production in China." Science of the Total Environment, 598, 854-862.

Natural gas has emerged as an important alternative fuel in the transport sector, offering a cleaner-burning option than gasoline and diesel fuels. Its use in transport is primarily in two forms: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). CNG, which involves compressing natural gas to less than 1% of its volume, is widely used in light-duty vehicles, buses, and delivery trucks due to its lower emissions and cost advantages over gasoline(US DOE). LNG, which is natural gas cooled to a liquid state, is used for heavy-duty trucks and long-haul, including marine transport because of its higher energy density and suitability for large engines.

The environmental benefits of natural gas in transportation are significant. Compared to diesel and gasoline, CNG and LNG produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO₂, and almost negligible sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Studies have shown that natural gas vehicles (NGVs) emit up to 20% less CO₂ than diesel vehicles and produce up to 90% fewer NOx emissions, contributing to urban air pollution and health risks (US EPA, 2020). This reduction in pollutants aligns with global efforts to reduce air pollution and combat climate change, making natural gas an attractive option for countries looking to decarbonise their transportation sectors.

In addition to reducing emissions, using natural gas in transportation supports energy diversification, decreasing dependency on petroleum-based fuels. For countries with abundant natural gas resources, adopting natural gas in transportation reduces the need for oil imports, enhancing energy security. The United States, for instance, has promoted NGVs to leverage its natural gas abundance, with over 175,000 CNG vehicles on its roads by 2020, mostly in fleets and public transit systems(US DOE, 2021). China and India have also expanded their use of CNG in urban areas to mitigate severe air pollution challenges.

However, the transition to natural gas in transportation requires investment in infrastructure. Unlike gasoline and diesel, CNG and LNG require specialised refueling infrastructure, which has widespread adoption outside of fleet and heavy-duty applications. Furthermore, while CNG is readily adopted in urban areas with established infrastructure, LNG adoption is mainly limited to long-haul trucking and now gaining interest in maritime sector. Governments and private sectors are investing in expanding CNG and LNG infrastructure to support broader adoption and leverage the environmental benefits of natural gas in transportation.

 

 

 

References

1.     U.S. Department of Energy. (2020). “Compressed Natural Gas.” Alternative Fuels Data Center. https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/natural_gas_compressed.html

2.     U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). “Emissions Standards Reference Guide.” https://www.epa.gov/emission-standards-reference-guide

3.     U.S. Department of Energy. (2021). “Natural Gas Vehicle Research.” https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/natural-gas-vehicle-research

Natural gas plays a significant role in heating buildings due to its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and relatively lower emissions compared to other hydrocarbons fuels. It is widely used to power furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and other heating systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Its advantages as a heating source have made it a popular choice, particularly in colder climates where heating demand is substantial.

One of the main reasons for the widespread use of natural gas for heating is its high energy efficiency. Modern natural gas furnaces, for example, can achieve efficiency ratings as high as 98%, meaning that nearly all the energy content of the gas is converted into useful heat (EIA, 2022). This efficiency translates into cost savings for consumers and less wasted energy, contributing to overall energy conservation.

Additionally, natural gas heating systems emit fewer pollutants compared to other hydrocarbons. When burned, natural gas produces about 50-60% less carbon dioxide (CO₂) compared to coal and significantly lower levels of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are key contributors to air pollution and acid rain (IEA, 2021). This lower emissions profile makes natural gas a favorable option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the heating sector, especially as cities and countries strive to meet climate targets.

Natural gas is also readily available through extensive pipeline infrastructure, making it convenient and reliable for users. In regions with established distribution networks, natural gas can be delivered continuously, unlike other fuels that may require periodic delivery or storage. This infrastructure ensures a consistent heating supply during winter months, contributing to energy security and consumer comfort (EIA, 2022).

In addition to  heating applications, natural gas is a key fuel for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, also known as cogeneration systems. CHP systems generate both electricity and useful heat from a single fuel source, offering a highly efficient and integrated approach to energy production. By capturing and utilising waste heat produced during electricity generation, CHP systems can achieve overall energy efficiencies of 60-80%, far surpassing the efficiency of conventional power plants that typically operate at around 33% efficiency (U.S. Department of Energy, 2020).

Natural gas-fueled CHP systems are particularly effective for large buildings, industrial facilities, hospitals, and campuses where there is a consistent demand for both electricity and thermal energy. These systems provide on-site power generation, reducing reliance on the electric grid and enhancing energy resilience, especially during outages or periods of high demand (WRI, 2021). Additionally, the reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions associated with CHP systems contribute to significant environmental benefits, aligning with goals to reduce carbon footprints and improve air quality.

The use of natural gas in CHP systems also offers economic advantages. By generating electricity and heat simultaneously, CHP systems lower energy costs for end users, increase operational efficiency, and improve competitiveness for industrial and commercial enterprises. Moreover, the flexibility of natural gas makes it easier to integrate CHP systems with emerging renewable energy technologies, providing an avenue for natural gas and renewable energy partnership for a more sustainable and balanced energy solution (IEA, 2021).

Overall, while natural gas remains a critical component of building heating, continued efforts to enhance efficiency and minimise emissions are necessary to align with global decarbonisation goals and achieve sustainable energy transitions.

 

Investing in natural gas is essential for achieving a just energy transition that balances the need for affordable, reliable energy with environmental sustainability and social equity. The global energy system is undergoing a profound transformation to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and limit global warming, but this transition must also ensure energy access and economic stability, particularly in regions reliant on traditional energy sources. Natural gas, with its lower carbon footprint compared to coal and oil, serves as a critical fuel that supports the energy transitions while providing reliable baseload power and reducing overall emissions.

Natural gas investment is crucial for reducing energy poverty and supporting economic growth in low- and middle-income countries. According to the International Energy Agency, around 770 million people globally still lack access to electricity, and over 2.4 billion rely on traditional biomass for cooking. By expanding natural gas infrastructure, countries can replace polluting fuels, improve air quality, and provide affordable energy to underserved populations. Investments in natural gas can help ensure that the benefits of energy transition reach all communities, creating new economic opportunities, enhancing energy security, and reducing the gap between developed and developing regions (World Bank, 2020).

Moreover, natural gas plays a key role in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry, transportation, and heating. As these sectors often rely on high-temperature processes or long-haul transport solutions, electrification alone may not be sufficient to achieve deep decarbonisation. Natural gas, when combined with technologies like carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), can significantly lower emissions from industrial processes and power generation, supporting climate targets while maintaining economic stability (Global CCS Institute, 2021). This dual approach of reducing emissions while maintaining energy reliability is critical to ensure that no region or sector is left behind in the energy transition.

Investing in natural gas also facilitates the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Natural gas-fired power plants can provide flexible and reliable backup power, stabilising the grid and mitigating the intermittency challenges associated with renewables (U.S. Department of Energy, 2020). This flexibility is particularly valuable in regions undergoing rapid renewable energy deployment, where natural gas can serve as a reliable complement to low-carbon energy systems.

Natural gas is playing a key role in improving access to electricity worldwide, especially in regions with limited energy infrastructure. As a cleaner and flexible hydrocarbons, natural gas offers an efficient way to generate electricity and stabilise power systems. Natural gas-fired power plants are quick to deploy, relatively cost-effective to build, and can be scaled to meet varying demand. They are also capable of providing reliable baseload power as well as peaking capacity, making them an essential component for energy systems transitioning from other carbon intensive energy sources to more sustainable ones. In many low- and middle-income countries, expanding access to electricity is a top priority for economic development and poverty reduction. Approximately 770 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia (World Bank, 2021). For these regions, natural gas-fired power generation presents a practical solution for rapidly expanding electricity access. The relatively lower cost and flexibility of natural gas infrastructure, compared to renewable energy systems that require extensive storage and grid enhancements, enable governments to provide stable and affordable electricity to underserved populations. This, in turn, supports economic growth, education, healthcare, and other vital sectors dependent on reliable power supply (UNDP, 2019).

Natural gas also serves as an enabler for renewable energy integration by providing grid stability. The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like wind and solar can lead to supply fluctuations that strain energy grids. Natural gas power plants can quickly ramp up or down to balance supply and demand, complementing renewables and ensuring continuous access to electricity even during periods of low renewable generation (U.S. Department of Energy, 2020). This ability to stabilise the grid makes natural gas an essential part of modern energy systems.

Furthermore, natural gas infrastructure development, such as pipelines and power plants, can stimulate local economies by creating jobs and building local expertise in energy system management. In regions with existing natural gas reserves, tapping into domestic production can reduce reliance on imported fuels and lower energy costs, freeing up resources for other development priorities (AfDB, 2020).

Natural gas is key in water desalination, providing a reliable and efficient energy source to power desalination technologies. As global demand for freshwater grows due to population increase, climate change, and resource scarcity, desalination has emerged as a critical solution for meeting water needs in arid and semi-arid regions. Natural gas, with its relatively low carbon emissions compared to other hydrocarbons, supports energy-intensive desalination processes like thermal desalination and reverse osmosis (RO), helping to improve water accessibility sustainably.

Natural gas is often used to generate heat for water evaporation and condensation in thermal desalination processes, such as multi-stage flash (MSF) and multi-effect distillation (MED). These systems are prevalent in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where abundant natural gas reserves are leveraged to meet the high energy demand of desalination facilities. For example, countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates rely heavily on natural gas-fired plants to power their desalination infrastructure, producing millions of cubic meters of potable water daily (Global Water Intelligence, 2020). Natural gas’s reliability and ability to provide continuous energy make it well-suited for large-scale desalination plants that require consistent heat and power inputs.

In addition to thermal desalination, natural gas is used in electricity generation for reverse osmosis (RO), which is the most widely adopted desalination technology globally. RO relies on high-pressure pumps to force seawater through semipermeable membranes, separating salt and other impurities from the water. Natural gas-fired power plants provide the electricity needed to run these high-pressure pumps, contributing to the efficiency and scalability of RO systems (World Bank, 2019). Natural gas produces lower greenhouse gas emissions than coal-based electricity, making it a more environmentally friendly choice for desalination operations.

The flexibility of natural gas in providing both heat and electricity allows for hybrid desalination systems that combine thermal and membrane-based technologies, further optimising energy efficiency and reducing operational costs (International Desalination Association, 2020). Hybrid systems powered by natural gas can adjust to varying water demand and energy prices, offering resilience and cost-effective solutions in water-scarce regions.

Natural gas empowers women and children by improving access to clean energy and reducing health risks associated with dirty cooking fuels. In many developing countries, women and children are disproportionately affected by energy poverty, spending significant amounts of time collecting firewood, cooking with biomass, and living in homes exposed to indoor air pollution. Transitioning to natural gas and Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) as clean cooking fuels offers significant benefits that can improve health outcomes, free up time for education and economic activities, and enhance overall quality of life (WHO, 2018).

Using natural gas as a cleaner alternative to biomass for cooking and heating helps mitigate health risks. According to the WHO, exposure to smoke from traditional cooking stoves using biomass and coal contributes to respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and premature deaths among women and children. Replacing these stoves with natural gas and LPG can reduce household air pollution by 50% or more, significantly decreasing the incidence of related illnesses (WHO, 2018). By improving indoor air quality, natural gas use contributes directly to better health outcomes, reducing disease burden and allowing women to focus on other responsibilities and opportunities.

Access to natural gas also has economic and educational implications for women and children. When clean energy is available, women and girls who typically bear the responsibility of gathering firewood have more time for education, skill development, and income-generating activities. Studies show that access to modern energy sources, including natural gas, is associated with higher school attendance rates among girls and increased female workforce participation. By reducing the time and physical burden of fuel collection, natural gas allows women to pursue economic independence and self-sufficiency, fostering gender equity and economic growth (UN Women, 2020).

Furthermore, natural gas facilitates the establishment of energy-powered community services such as healthcare centres, schools, and women’s training programs. For instance, hospitals and clinics powered by natural gas can offer consistent healthcare services, including maternal and child care, without the disruptions caused by unreliable electricity supply. Reliable energy access is a key enabler of safe childbirth, vaccination programs, and health interventions, which directly impact women's and children's well-being (UNDP, 2019).

Although natural gas offers numerous benefits, ensuring equitable access is essential. Policy frameworks that prioritise infrastructure expansion to underserved and rural areas can maximise the positive impact of natural gas on women and children. Investment in community-based energy initiatives and subsidies for clean cooking technologies can further enhance access, making a tangible difference in women's and children's lives (World Bank, 2020).

Natural gas is currently the primary source of hydrogen production globally, accounting for approximately 75% of total hydrogen production. The most common method for generating hydrogen from natural gas is steam methane reforming (SMR), which involves reacting methane (CH₄) with steam at high temperatures to produce hydrogen (H₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) as by-products. This process is well-established and cost-effective, making it the dominant technology for large-scale hydrogen production.  The use of natural gas in hydrogen production is not limited to traditional SMR. Advanced methods, such as autothermal reforming (ATR) and the incorporation of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), can reduce the carbon footprint of hydrogen production from natural gas. The combination of SMR or ATR with CCUS creates "blue hydrogen," a cleaner alternative that captures and stores up to 90% of the CO₂ emissions generated during the production process (Global CCS Institute, 2021). Blue hydrogen offers a pathway to scale up hydrogen production rapidly while maintaining progress toward carbon reduction targets. By capturing and storing emissions, blue hydrogen serves as a lever technology to a low-carbon hydrogen economy.

Natural gas-based hydrogen production is crucial for meeting the growing global demand for hydrogen, particularly in hard-to-decarbonise sectors such as heavy industry, transportation, and energy storage. Hydrogen is increasingly recognised as a versatile energy carrier that can sometimes be used in pure form in applications where direct electrification is challenging. For example, hydrogen can be used in fuel cells to power vehicles or blended into existing natural gas networks to reduce the carbon intensity of heating and electricity generation (Hydrogen Council, 2021). The scalability of natural gas-based hydrogen production allows for rapid expansion of hydrogen infrastructure and facilitates market adoption, laying the groundwork for a broader hydrogen economy.

Natural gas is a critical component of the global energy mix, playing a key role in enhancing energy efficiency across various sectors, including power generation, industry, and residential heating. Its properties as a cleaner-burning fuel make it highly efficient in converting energy into useful work compared to other hydrocarbons, leading to significant emissions reductions and cost savings. For example, natural gas-fired combined cycle power plants achieve up to 60% or higher efficiencies, making them one of the most efficient forms of thermal electricity generation. This efficiency results from utilising both the electricity generated from gas turbines and the heat recovered from exhaust gases to power steam turbines.

In the industrial sector, natural gas is often used in high-temperature processes such as steel production, chemical manufacturing, and food processing. The energy efficiency of natural gas-driven industrial equipment, such as boilers and furnaces, can be further enhanced through advanced technologies like cogeneration or Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems. CHP systems generate both electricity and useful thermal energy from a single fuel source, achieving overall efficiencies of 60-80% compared to separate heat and power generation (U.S. Department of Energy, 2020). This dual-use capability reduces energy waste and can lead to substantial cost savings and lower carbon emissions.

Natural gas also plays a significant role in residential and commercial energy efficiency. High-efficiency natural gas appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, and stoves, provide superior performance compared to their electric counterparts. Modern natural gas furnaces, for example, have efficiency ratings as high as 98%, meaning nearly all the fuel’s energy content is converted into heat for the home (EIA, 2022). This level of efficiency not only reduces energy consumption and utility bills for households but also minimises greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, natural gas appliances typically offer faster heating times and better temperature control, contributing to user comfort and convenience.

Natural gas serve as key fuel in the global effort to mitigate climate change due to its cleaner-burning properties, flexibility in power generation, and compatibility with emerging low-carbon technologies. As the cleanest hydrocarbon fuel, natural gas emits roughly 50-60% less carbon dioxide (CO₂) per unit of energy when compared to coal. This makes it a practical substitute for coal in electricity generation, providing immediate reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while ensuring reliable energy supply. By switching from coal to natural gas, countries can make substantial progress toward climate goals, reducing both CO₂ and air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to smog and respiratory diseases (WHO, 2018).

One of the key benefits of natural gas is its ability to provide flexible and reliable power generation, making it an essential partner for renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Because renewables are intermittent, natural gas-fired power plants can quickly ramp up or down to balance supply and demand on the grid, ensuring energy stability and minimising the need for costly energy storage solutions. This flexibility supports a resilient energy system and facilitates the transition to a low-carbon energy system. By providing a stable backup power source, natural gas helps maintain grid reliability while reducing the reliance on more carbon-intensive power plants.

Natural gas is also integral to decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry, transportation, and heating. For example, in industrial applications that require high-temperature heat, natural gas offers a lower-emission alternative to coal and oil, reducing overall carbon emissions. Additionally, in the transportation sector, natural gas vehicles (NGVs) emit significantly fewer GHGs compared to diesel-powered vehicles, making them a cleaner alternative for public transportation and heavy-duty freight (EPA, 2021).

The deployment of CCUS technologies in conjunction with natural gas operations further enhances its role in climate change mitigation. CCUS allows for the capture of CO₂ emissions from natural gas-fired power plants and industrial processes before they are released into the atmosphere. The captured CO₂ can be stored underground or used in various industrial applications, creating a pathway for "blue hydrogen" production and significantly reducing the carbon footprint of natural gas (Global CCS Institute, 2021). CCUS technologies are expected to play a critical role in achieving net-zero emissions targets and decarbonising the energy sector.

GECF member countries have been actively engaged in efforts to reduce methane emissions and minimise gas flaring, with several initiatives demonstrating their commitment to climate action and environmental sustainability. For example, Qatar, a leading LNG exporter, has implemented stringent measures to monitor and reduce methane emissions across its operations, utilising advanced leak detection systems and minimising venting and flaring through efficient gas management strategies. Algeria has focused on capturing and utilising associated gas, investing in infrastructure that converts flare gas into valuable energy resources for domestic and export markets, contributing to a significant reduction in flaring volumes.

Nigeria has been at the forefront of flare reduction, enacting policies such as the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Program (NGFCP) to incentivise companies to capture and utilise flared gas for electricity generation and other uses. Iran, another key GECF member, has invested in gas re-injection projects to support enhanced oil recovery and reduce flaring, aligning with broader environmental targets. Similarly, Russia has undertaken measures to curb flaring and methane emissions by modernizing gas infrastructure and enhancing gas capture technologies at oil production sites.