The **abstract** of this passage highlights the deep connection between energy innovation and human progress. Throughout history, every major leap in productivity has been driven by breakthroughs in how energy is harnessed and used. The early practice of "drilling wood for fire" not only marked a turning point in human survival but also ushered in the era of fuelwood, laying the foundation for agrarian societies. The invention of the steam engine then set the stage for the industrial revolution, with coal becoming the primary power source for large-scale machinery. Later, the development of electricity and internal combustion engines triggered the second industrial revolution, with oil playing a key role in transportation, chemistry, and urban expansion.
Today, we are entering the information age, where technological advancements are accelerating rapidly. The so-called “third industrial revolution†is on the horizon, and the energy sector is once again at the center of global attention. Natural gas, once overlooked, is now emerging as a key player in this new era. Its main component, methane, has lower energy density compared to coal and oil, making it more challenging to transport and store. Conventional reserves are limited, and unconventional sources—like shale gas—are expensive and difficult to extract. Despite these challenges, natural gas is gaining momentum due to recent technological advances.
The breakthrough in hydraulic fracturing has unlocked vast unconventional gas reserves, making them commercially viable. This technology has significantly increased the global recoverable gas resources, surpassing even oil in volume and potentially meeting global demand for over 250 years. As a result, natural gas is becoming more competitive in terms of price and supply security, sparking a global boom in exploration and production.
In addition to its economic appeal, natural gas plays a crucial role in the global energy landscape. With peak oil approaching, it serves as a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The push for a low-carbon economy, highlighted by events like the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, has further boosted its appeal. Compared to coal and oil, natural gas emits less carbon dioxide and causes fewer air pollutants, making it a strategic choice for reducing climate impact and supporting green growth.
After the Fukushima nuclear disaster, many countries have scaled back their nuclear energy plans, creating a gap in energy supply. Meanwhile, developing nations like China and India are experiencing rising energy demands. Natural gas offers a reliable and flexible solution to meet these needs without the risks associated with nuclear power.
Moreover, the increasing use of natural gas is driving up its strategic importance. Globally, the market is witnessing strong growth in both supply and demand. According to the 2013 World Energy Outlook from the International Energy Agency, global natural gas demand is expected to grow at an annual rate of 1.6%, reaching nearly 5 trillion cubic meters by the end of the decade. Most of this growth will occur in non-OECD countries, and international trade will double. By 2030, natural gas is projected to overtake coal and account for a quarter of the world’s total energy supply.
Driven by this growing demand, many countries are implementing policies to boost natural gas development. The U.S. has elevated shale gas to a national priority, with promising export opportunities. Canada is shifting its focus toward Asian markets, streamlining approvals for gas projects and building liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals on the West Coast. Australia is investing heavily in shale and coalbed methane, with several LNG projects under construction. In Africa, Mozambique has launched its first LNG project, aiming to export 50 million tons annually. Algeria is expanding its pipeline network to Italy, while Libya is working on a 1,400-kilometer pipeline linking North Africa to southern Europe.
Russia and Qatar, long-standing gas exporters, are also making significant moves. Russia has passed legislation to liberalize LNG exports, breaking the monopoly of state-owned companies and boosting export potential. Qatar is securing long-term contracts in Asia to reposition its LNG sales strategy. These developments signal a global shift toward natural gas as a central pillar of the future energy system.
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