Renewables, natural gas play key roles in reducing carbon emissions: Al Kaabi

Gas will remain a much-needed resource: Minister

MINISTER of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum HE Saad Sherida Al Kaabi has stressed the importance of collaboration between all concerned to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Speaking at the First Asia Green Growth Partnership Ministerial Meeting held virtually from Tokyo with the participation of Asian energy ministers, Al Kaabi said that the energy transition requires a collective effort by producers, governments as well as the endconsumers.

“The energy transition is not as much about a transition in energy supply, but rather a transition in consumer behaviour,” Al Kaabi added.

Stressing the role of natural gas in the energy transition, Al Kaabi said, “We believe that natural gas and renewables are partners in the journey to reduce global carbon emissions. Gas will remain a much-needed energy source to manage intermittency issues and to offset fluctuations in demand both on a seasonal and daily basis.”

Addressing the inherent differences between countries in their respective transition paths, he said “The energy transition should take into consideration the requirements of the developing world, including up to one billion people who are deprived of electricity and basic fuels today. Developed countries have a responsibility to offer less developed countries support with climate-related capacity building, transfer of technology, and funding.”

The energy transition is not as much about a transition in energy supply, but rather a transition in consumer behaviour.” — HE Saad Sherida Al Kaabi

The minister concluded his remarks by emphasising that a “one size fits all” approach cannot be the answer to achieve global emission reduction aspirations and that differentiated solutions that reflect the specific circumstances and requirements of each country and sector will need to be deployed.

The Asia Green Growth Partnership Ministerial Meeting is held as part of Japans efforts to realize green growth, and to simultaneously achieve both economic growth and carbon neutrality in emerging economies such as those in Asia.