The 9th edition of GGO 2050 presents projections and in-depth analyses of the global energy system, with a particular focus on natural gas, extending through the middle of the century.

The launch event was presided over by Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the GECF, and attended by Sheikh Mishal Al-Thani, Representative of the State of Qatar on the GECF Executive Board, alongside distinguished representatives from GECF member countries, as well as prominent leaders and experts from guest countries and peer international organizations.

Key Insights from the GECF Global Gas Outlook 2050

1. The World in 2050: A Transforming Global Landscape

The world in 2050 will look vastly different from today. Global population is projected to increase by 1.6 billion people, surpassing 9.7 billion. Rapid urbanisation will drive nearly 70% of people into cities, particularly in Asia and Africa. Demographic ageing will reshape societies, with 30% of the population in high-income countries aged 65 or older, influencing energy demand patterns and economic structures.

2. A Shifting Global Economy, Powered by AI

The global economy is expected to double in size by 2050, driven by growth in Asia Pacific, which will contribute more than 50% of the total expansion. Artificial intelligence (AI) will transform all sectors, increasing productivity but also leading to a surge in electricity demand. AI-driven data centers are expected to become a major energy consumer, further reinforcing the role of natural gas in ensuring stable power supply.

3. Natural Gas Gains Policy Support in Energy Transitions

Governments worldwide are increasingly recognising natural gas as a key solution to the energy trilemma, ensuring energy security, affordability, and sustainability. Natural gas is gaining policy backing as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, supporting grid stability, emissions reduction, and economic development in both advanced and developing economies.

4. Global Energy Demand Continues to Rise with No Peak in Sight

By 2050, global primary energy demand will increase by 18%, with Asia Pacific and Africa leading the growth. As developing economies expand, urbanise, and industrialise, energy consumption will continue rising. Despite the rapid expansion of renewables, natural gas remains essential for meeting the world's growing energy needs.

5. Natural Gas Demand is Growing Steadily, with No Peak Expected

Unlike coal and oil, which are expected to decline, natural gas demand is projected to grow by 32% by 2050, surpassing 5,300 bcm. Power generation will remain the largest driver of natural gas use, while industrial applications, including hydrogen production, will see strong growth, reinforcing natural gas as a critical energy source for hard-to-abate sectors.

6. The Center of Gravity for Natural Gas Production is Shifting

The Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa will be responsible for nearly 90% of global natural gas production growth by 2050. Africa is emerging as a major LNG supplier, leveraging its vast untapped reserves, while North America and Europe are expected to see production declines, reinforcing the changing landscape of gas supply.

7. Global Natural Gas Trade is Undergoing a Structural Shift

Natural gas trade is experiencing a fundamental transformation, with LNG trade set to more than double, surpassing 800 Mt by 2050. By mid-century, LNG will overtake pipeline gas as the dominant mode of global gas trade, increasing flexibility, energy security, and supply diversification. Asia Pacific will account for 76% of LNG imports, reinforcing its position as the primary gas-importing region.

8. USD 11.1 Trillion Investment Needed to Sustain Global Gas Supply

To meet future demand, USD 11.1 trillion in investment will be required by 2050, with 94% allocated to upstream gas development. With a significant share of future production coming from yet-to-find (YTF) resources, continued investment in exploration and advanced production technologies will be crucial for securing a long-term energy supply.

9. Natural Gas + Advanced Decarbonisation = Balanced Energy Transitions

Natural gas, combined with Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS), offers a practical and scalable pathway toward emissions reduction. CCUS has the potential to capture up to 90% of CO2‚‚ emissions from gas-fired power plants, enabling gas to remain a reliable and sustainable energy source in a low-carbon future. The integration of blue hydrogen and CCUS will further strengthen natural gas’s role in balancing economic growth and environmental commitments.

The Future of Natural Gas

The 9th Edition of the GECF Global Gas Outlook 2050 reaffirms that natural gas will remain central to the global energy mix, balancing economic growth, energy security, and climate goals. As the world transitions to a more diversified and sustainable energy system, natural gas will continue playing a key role in ensuring energy security and facilitating just, orderly, and equitable energy transitions.

The 9th edition of the Global Gas Outlook (GGO) is available here.