Conversations at ADIPEC 2025: natural gas set to power the future

Leaders from across the global energy industry gathered at ADIPEC 2025 to share insights on the surging prospects for natural gas and LNG, projecting robust growth and an evolving energy mix shaped by innovation and shifting global priorities.

Their discussion underscored both optimism and pragmatism as the sector adapts to new realities.

Fatema Al Nuaimi, CEO of ADNOC Gas, opened the panel by emphasising the unique position of natural gas in providing security of supply, affordability, and a lower-emission alternative compared to other fossil fuels, a trilemma she described as “providing all of the above.” 

Al Nuaimi proudly shared the UAE’s record in LNG, noting the progress of the West LNG project, and highlighted innovation in emissions reduction. “We complemented [our production] with an electric-driven link to the network to import clean power, which makes it the lowest emissions.”

Matthew Schatzman, CEO and chairman of NextDecade highlighted the sector's shift from a focus solely on energy transition to one centered around energy security and affordability. He pointed to rapidly growing demand in emerging markets and the critical role of firm, round-the-clock energy.

“We’re seeing the need for industrial demand growth, power generation, and then obviously AI, and natural gas is really the perfect fuel to power this type of energy demand.”

Worley CEO Chris Ashton described how government policy and industrial priorities are shaping LNG demand worldwide, with technology companies citing unprecedented power needs.

“When you have AI companies talking about data factories in the gigawatts of power demand, the only answer for that is gas-fired power generation to give it the security of supply it needs,” he remarked.

Arnaud Pieton of Technip Energies traced LNG’s historical growth and the ongoing need to balance demand with sustainability. The executive director and CEO emphasised a pragmatic approach, deploying technologies like carbon capture at scale, remarking, “It’s about efficiency for LNG, more electrification, but also carbon capture where storage is available.”

The panelists also addressed infrastructure challenges, market cycles, and the necessity of long-term investment strategies. Far from seeing natural gas as a mere transitional fuel, many emphasised its role as a “destination” energy and an essential partner to renewables in the evolving mix.

Their collective message was clear: Success in the energy sector will depend on innovation, adaptability, and the ability to balance regional needs with global sustainability goals. As the world moves toward a more diversified energy future, natural gas stands ready to play a central role, providing reliable power, enabling decarbonisation, and supporting growing economies.