Industry Perspective

M. F. Farina, GE Oil and Gas, Denver, Colorado  Natural gas is poised to capture a larger share of the world’s energy demand. Gas is shifting from a regional, and often marginal, fuel to becoming a focal point of global energy supply and demand. This trend offers the potential for the industry to grow by nearly 35% by 2025—driving gas to 26% of primary energy supply.  However, the industry is at a critical juncture. The costs of mega-gas projects have been spiraling upward, and environmental scrutiny continues to intensify. In Europe, debates swirl on competition and security of supply; meanwhile, coal consumption is climbing as gas-fired power plants sit idle. Market prices remain too low