Crystol Energy is proud to share that its CEO, Dr Carole Nakhle, played an active role at the Gastech Exhibition & Conference 2024 in Houston, moderating three high-level panels on the most pressing issues shaping today’s energy landscape.
The strategic advantage of natural gas as a vital enabler of the energy transition
Dr Nakhle opened her participation by moderating a panel on the role of natural gas in the energy transition. The discussion brought together leaders from Aramco, SINOPEC, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Shell, and marked the first-ever participation of Aramco at a major international gas conference — a clear signal of the company’s positioning on natural gas.
The panel examined contrasting perspectives: while the International Energy Agency sees gas demand peaking soon, industry players continue to invest heavily in infrastructure expected to last for decades. China’s gas share remains under 9% of its energy mix but, as the world’s largest LNG importer, its trajectory alone could reshape global markets. Not surprisingly, the industry does not see any peak demand before 2040.
Key takeaway: when it comes to natural gas, the energy transition is about complementarity, not substitution.
Driving purposeful industry progress on methane reduction
On the second day, Dr Nakhle moderated a panel focused on methane emissions reductions. Despite natural gas being perceived more positively than oil or coal, the word “methane” itself evokes strong climate concerns.
The panel highlighted progress under initiatives such as the Global Methane Pledge (COP28) but also underscored challenges:
Difficulties in measuring and pinpointing emissions sources.
Limited policy support and fragmented regulations.
Financing gaps, especially in developing countries.
Speakers included experts from the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, EQT Corporation, ENGIE, Ipieca, and the World Bank, who stressed both the commercial and environmental case for reducing methane.
Policy as the driver of the energy transition
Closing her Gastech participation, Dr Nakhle moderated a panel on the critical role of policy in shaping the energy transition. Unlike past shifts in the energy system driven by technology or markets, today’s transition relies heavily on government policies and regulations.
The discussion addressed what makes for effective policy — clarity, consistency, and stability — while acknowledging the realities of political cycles, shifting priorities, and industry’s mixed messaging on policy stability.
The panel featured leaders from Invest & Trade Western Australia, OGCI, and API.
Through these three sessions, Crystol Energy helped shape the conversation on natural gas, methane, and policy — reaffirming the company’s commitment to providing independent insights and fostering dialogue across industry, government, and civil society.
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