New fuels, decarbonisation, and diversity: the critical conversations shaping the future of energy

March marked a month of critical conversations and thought leadership on Energy Connects on strategic developments reshaping the global energy map and accelerating the pathway to net zero, with a special focus on new energy solutions, decarbonisation, and diversity.

Discussing the International Energy Forum (IEF) 's latest report on carbon markets, Joe McMonigle outlined how they can accelerate the transition to net zero, why they are at an inflexion point, and the roadmap to unlock  billions of dollars for clean energy projects globally.

With bio-energy on the cusp of an exciting growth trajectory, Anish De of KPMG explained in an exclusive conversation how it will play a decisive role in shaping a low-carbon future – addressing the energy supply dilemma while delivering decarbonised global solutions. A global coalition of 8 companies – including TotalEnergies , ENGIE , and Mitsubishi Corporation – meanwhile announced the e-NG Coalition to support the development of the synthetic fuel and help create a global market.

Emission concerns ran into a reality check earlier in the month with an International Energy Agency (IEA) report finding that methane emissions from the energy sector remained near a record high in 2023. Emissions reduction was also the focus of a Wood Mackenzie report that found that up to 30 large upstream projects worth US $125 billion could reach FID this year, with the new investments putting a significant emphasis on lower-carbon technologies.

Mickael Vogel of Hawilti offered some valuable lessons to build a diversified and resilient energy mix in Africa, while Clay Neff of Chevron spoke about the how the US energy major is contributing to a low-carbon future in all sectors of the value chain.

In our special coverage on Women in Energy, Dr Carole Nakhle explained why better gender balance is vital to creating a resilient energy economy, while Vandana Hari busted some myths on what gets women in and moves them up in the industry.

This was also the month when Ipieca – the global oil and gas association for advancing environmental performance across the energy transition – turned 50, and Brian Sullivan reflected on the association’s key milestones and what’s next for the industry.  

Dive into the critical conversations shaping the future of energy in our latest newsletter. 

Global carbon markets will play a vital role in energy transitions, says IEF

According to Joe McMonigle , Secretary General of the International Energy Forum (IEF) (IEF), carbon markets are at an inflexion point, and with stronger international collaboration and smart regulation, they can raise billions of dollars for clean energy projects that would otherwise not get off the ground. Read the full article here.

Global upstream FIDs to hit a new high in 2024 with focus on decarbonisation and deepwater resources

The global LNG market faces potential transformation and division as the EU considers extending carbon taxes to LNG imports, according to a report by Wood Mackenzie.

The report suggests that if the EU tightens methane regulations or includes LNG in its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), it could split the market. With the EU already applying carbon taxes to shipping, the future of LNG imports into Europe hangs in the balance. Read the full article here.

More women in energy vital to the industry’s success

Dr Carole Nakhle , CEO of Crystol Energy and Founder of Access for Women in Energy , discusses why increasing female representation across the industry is an urgent necessity and calls for more women's participation to make the energy workfore ready for the future. Listen to the podcast here.

Bio-energy to play a key global role in shaping the energy transition this decade, says KPMG

Anish De , Global Head of Energy, Natural Resources and Chemicals at KPMG , discusses the coming of age of bio-fuels and why bio-energy is a multi-billion dollar global opportunity for accelerating the energy transition. Watch the full interview here.

Global methane emissions from fossil fuels set to decline soon, finds IEA study

Methane emissions from the energy sector remained near a record high in 2023 – but substantial policies and regulations announced in recent months, as well as fresh pledges stemming from COP28 UAE , have the potential to put them into decline soon, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) . Read the full article here.

Building a diversified and resilient energy mix in Africa

Mickael Vogel , Director and Head of Research at Hawilti shares insights from the inaugural African Conference Dialogue hosted at EGYPES - Egypt Energy Show 2024. One of the pivotal lessons learned emphasises the importance of balancing domestic energy needs with lucrative export opportunities. Read the full article here.

Chevron helping fuel the global energy transition

Clay Neff, President of Chevron International Exploration & Production, discusses the US multinational’s growing presence in the region, Chevron's aspirations for the future of its business, and how it is contributing to a low-carbon future for Africa. Watch the full interview here.

TotalEnergies and Mitsubishi join 6 others to create global e-NG coalition

TotalEnergies along with ENGIE , Mitsubishi Corporation , Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. , Sempra Infrastructure , Tree Energy Solution (TES), Tokyo Gas Asia Pte. Ltd. and Toho Gas, will pool their expertise and efforts to establish the e-NG Coalition. Its purpose is to support e-NG development in a reliable, affordable and sustainable way, including promoting use of e-NG and supporting the emergence of a global market. Read the full article here.

Ipieca at 50: staying true to our founding values to guide the energy industry

As the global oil and gas association for advancing environmental and social performance across the energy transition turns 50, Ipieca 's Executive Director Brian Sullivan reflects on how the association has evolved, key milestones and what’s next. Read the full article here.

Women in energy: busting some myths on what gets them in and moves them up

Vandana Hari , Founder of Vanda Insights , analyses the reasons why women account for only 16% of the workforce in the energy sector worldwide. She also discusses how energy companies need to attract more women and actively reach out to secondary and tertiary institutions to promote a better understanding of the evolution and diversity of their businesses. Read the full article here.

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