Collins Chukwuonye

The Paris Agreement set ambitious global targets to stabilize and reduce carbon emissions, with electricity generation identified as one of the largest contributors to these emissions. Against this backdrop, the role of natural gas has emerged as a focal point in energy transition debates. As a fossil fuel with relatively lower carbon intensity than coal or oil, natural gas is widely regarded as a bridge fuel that can help nations lower emissions while renewable technologies mature both technologically and economically. Beyond emissions reduction, natural gas also contributes to energy security by providing flexible generation capacity that can balance the intermittency of renewables such as solar and wind. This stabilizing role is particularly critical for developing countries, where access to reliable electricity remains a pressing socio-economic need.

Despite these recognized advantages, concerns remain about the long-term implications of expanding natural gas infrastructure. The continued development of pipelines, liquefied natural gas facilities, and gas-fired power plants may create ‘lock-in’ effects, prolonging dependence on fossil fuels and slowing the pace of renewable deployment. Such structural path-dependencies risk diverting resources and policy attention away from low-carbon alternatives. However, the debate is far from settled: some experts argue that the economic and environmental advantages of natural gas are so compelling that it should not only be seen as a transition fuel but potentially as a “destination fuel” in its own right.

An important dimension of this debate is gas flaring. Globally, more than 140 billion cubic meters of gas are flared annually, releasing an estimated 400 million tons of CO₂ equivalent into the atmosphere. This practice not only exacerbates climate change but also represents a significant waste of resources that could otherwise support power generation, industrial use, or domestic consumption. Capturing and utilizing flared gas presents an immediate opportunity to reduce emissions and maximize the positive contribution of natural gas during the energy transition.

This research reviews existing literature and emerging policy discussions on the role of natural gas in decarbonization strategies. It highlights how short-term benefits such as emissions reduction, grid reliability, and energy access can be harnessed, while also recognizing the long-term risks associated with infrastructure lock-in and limited renewable deployment. To address these risks, the study examines policy-relevant approaches including stricter flaring regulation, the application of carbon pricing mechanisms, and the development of governance frameworks that discourage prolonged fossil fuel dependence. The analysis underscores that without such measures, the immediate advantages of natural gas may ultimately be outweighed by its delayed and global negative effects. Ultimately, our findings suggest that natural gas can serve as a pragmatic tool for bridging the gap to a renewable future, provided its deployment is carefully managed to prevent unintended long-term consequences.