LNG as a Bridge Fuel or a Long-Term Solution
X. MONDLANE, Baker Hughes, Florence, Italy
As the impacts of climate change become more evident and the world moves toward decarbonization, liquefied natural gas (LNG) has become a vital energy source. However, global energy specialists continue to question whether it represents a temporary “transition fuel” to advance the transition from coal and oil, or whether it will be a long-term component of global decarbonization. While LNG has proved its reliability as a fuel that offers 20%–50% lower carbon emissions, energy security continues to challenge its future role.
In recent years, LNG demand has increased significantly, especially in Asia and Europe, where governments seek cleaner energy alternatives. The conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and between the U.S./Israel and Iran have highlighted the importance of LNG. Many European countries have been forced to diversify their gas supplies, considering that 40%–45% of the European Union’s (EU) gas originated from Russia and 7%–14% from Qatar. These disruptions accelerate LNG imports from African nations, including Mozambique.
Energy security is another important factor supporting LNG development. Many Asian countries, including Japan and China, depend heavily on LNG imports to sustain their industrial sector and electricity production. Mozambique has strengthened its geopolitical influence through LNG trade with the Coral South floating LNG (FLNG) project, which shipped 100 LNG cargoes, many of which were shipped to the Asia-Pacific. Additionally, upcoming large-scale LNG infrastructure projects like Rovuma LNG and Mozambique LNG have become strategic investments for energy companies and governments seeking long-term energy resilience.
These projects will also generate employment, stimulate infrastructure development and support local supply chains. Mozambique—a country with at least 150 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas reserves in the Rovuma Basin—views LNG development as an opportunity for industrialization and economic transformation. These offshore gas discoveries have positioned the country as a future major LNG exporter.
Another notable example is the LNG Canada project located in Kitimat, Canada. The project—led by Shell together with partners including PETRONAS, PetroChina and Mitsubishi—represents one of the largest private-sector investments in Canadian history. LNG Canada is designed to export Canadian natural gas to Asian markets while utilizing modern technologies aimed at reducing operational emissions compared to traditional LNG facilities. Projects like LNG Canada demonstrate how LNG plays a role in global emissions reductions by replacing coal in fast-growing economies.
From an economic perspective, exposure to LNG and energy transition projects provides valuable insights into the complexity of balancing operational efficiency, sustainability and global energy demand. The author’s experience as a field specialist has involved supporting other major LNG and gas-related projects, including the QatarEnergy LNG North Field Expansion, offshore production fields in Norway and future Petrobras P-80 and P-82 developments. These projects required coordination across technical teams, quality assurance, commissioning activities and operational troubleshooting in highly demanding environments.
Despite the advantages discussed, LNG faces substantial criticism as an energy solution from environmental analysts. One of the main concerns involves methane (CH₄) emissions throughout the natural gas value chain. Environmental organizations therefore argue that expanding LNG infrastructure risks delaying investments in renewable energy and locking countries into fossil fuel dependence for decades.
Nations with strong climate policies are important but cannot place regulatory and financial burdens on LNG projects in countries like Mozambique, which have had less impact on the climate effects evident today. A study by Somin Kim and Dongjae regarding South Korea’s stake in Mozambique’s climate and humanitarian crisis unveiled an estimate by environmental analysts of roughly 3.3 billion tons (Bt)–4.5 Bt of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions over 25 yrs–30 yrs of Mozambique LNG operations by TotalEnergies in Afungi, northern Mozambique.
Although there are many concerns, the author strongly believes that LNG is unlikely to disappear. The global energy transition will require time, fair investment and technological innovation. Many industries, such as petrochemicals, heavy manufacturing, shipping and power generation, still depend on reliable fuel sources capable of operating without interruption. In this context, LNG may continue to play an important complementary role while renewable energy capacity expands globally.
Whether LNG becomes a transition fuel or a long-term energy solution depends on numerous factors, including CH₄ regulations that must be fair for all countries, technology development, geopolitical aspects and the pace of renewable energy deployment. The value of LNG in improving energy security and reducing coal dependence in various nations is obvious. Nevertheless, its long-term sustainability will depend on the industry’s ability to minimize emissions while aligning with global climate objectives.
Therefore, the future of LNG lies not in a simple choice between continuation or elimination, but in how effectively it can support a balanced and realistic transition toward a lower-carbon energy system.
About the Author
XILUVA MONDLANE is a petroleum engineer and energy professional with international experience across upstream energy operations and energy transition initiatives in Europe, Africa and North America. Mondlane serves as a Field Specialist and Technical Advisor at Baker Hughes, where she supports major energy projects onshore and offshore. She earned an M.S. degree in reservoir geoscience and engineering from IFP School in France. Mondlane is a regular contributor to international energy platforms, where she shares insights on LNG, sustainability, emerging technologies and the evolving role of the energy sector in the global energy transition.