Global gas demand grows initially in all three scenarios, driven by increasing demand in emerging economies. But this growth is subsequently reversed in Accelerated and Net Zero, with global gas consumption declining by around 35% and 60% by 2050 respectively. In contrast, gas demand in New Momentum continues to grow over the entire outlook, expanding by almost 30% of its 2019 level.
Natural gas can potentially play two important roles as the world transitions to a low-carbon energy system: increasing the speed at which fast-growing emerging economies reduce their dependency on coal, and providing a source of low-carbon energy when combined with carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS).
Growing trade in liquefied natural gas (LNG) plays a central role in increasing emerging markets’ access to natural gas, helping to support economic growth and a shift to lower-carbon fuels.
The production of natural gas is driven initially by increasing exports of liquified natural gas to meet growing demand in emerging economies. Global gas production falls in the second half of the outlook in Accelerated and Net Zero, mirroring the declines in domestic demand in the major gas consuming centres.