HE Eng. Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), delivered a keynote speech at the 6th International Gas Conference organized by Qatar University, emphasizing natural gas's critical role in energy transitions.
The conference, organized by Qatar University and its Gas Processing Center, serves as a platform for fostering innovation and advancing insights sharing in the natural gas industry.
In his speech, HE Hamel discussed the role of natural gas in the energy transition. He emphasized the role of natural gas in solving the dual challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while ensuring that energy remains reliable and affordable to support economic growth and foster social progress. "Natural gas is part of the solution to the equation of how to ensure simultaneously energy security, affordability and sustainability," stated HE Hamel. He emphasized that "the global energy transition, or rather transitions in plural, are neither linear nor a one-size-fits-all process."
HE Hamel emphasized natural gas's versatility in replacing carbon-intensive fuels and backing up intermittent renewables. He also addressed its emerging role in powering AI data centers, citing advantages in reliability, scalability, and lower emissions compared to coal, and easier permitting, lower upfront costs, and shorter lead times compared to nuclear.
The Secretary General outlined that natural gas, currently constituting 23% of the global energy mix, is projected to become the leading energy source by 2050, reaching 26%. The GECF projects a 34% growth in natural gas demand by 2050, driven by population growth, economic expansion, and rising living standards.
The Secretary General praised the vital role of academic institutions like Qatar University in bridging the gap between academic research and industry applications, emphasizing how such collaboration drives technical advancements in the energy sector. He noted that these partnerships are essential for developing innovative solutions that support both environmental protection and energy security objectives.