On the opening day of Gastech Exhibition & Conference 2024 in Houston yesterday, energy leaders discussed the energy transition and the role of LNG and natural gas.
Chevron’s CEO Mike Wirth delivered a keynote address on the need for more inclusive conversations about the future of energy, while panel member, Jack Fusco, CEO of Cheniere Energy, outlined the importance of adapting business models and strategies to balancing growing energy demand with meaningful progress toward global climate goals.
“The speed of the transition is a little longer than everyone expected, and we need to look at what is actually going on in the world to ensure we are efficient, and adapting to the world that is shifting, trying to get to a cleaner and more sustainable energy use,” he said.
The conference continued to explore routes to the energy transition throughout the day, in which a panel entitled ’aligning ambitions and competencies to deliver a de-carbonised energy system,’ addressed delegates.
Panel member, Lorenzo Simonelli, CEO of Baker Hughes, stressed: “There needs to be more of a discussion about how we reach the requirements of the transition. We have to make sure we don’t create energy inequality. If you look at energy availability today, you have to look at natural gas - not only as the avenue fuel - but also as the destination fuel. We need to have a constructive discussion about the investments needed to reach these requirements.”
Another panel addressing ‘the strategic advantage of natural gas as a vital enabler of the energy transitions’ hosted an interview with Ryan Lance, CEO of ConocoPhillips, who spoke on the partnerships and policies that can enable the natural gas sector to stimulate the global economy.
“When you think about the energy business, it really is the indicator of growth. The energy industry, especially gas, will continue to play this key role in changing the whole economic landscape - including when it comes to new technologies and AI,” he said.
