Focus shifts back to fossil fuels amid push for cleaner energy solutions

MUMBAI: The oil and gas industry stands at a critical juncture as it attempts to balance its longstanding reliance on fossil fuels with the urgent need for decarbonisation amid escalating global energy security concerns.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has intensified fears surrounding energy security, prompting many nations to prioritise the immediate availability of fossil fuels over long-term sustainable energy goals.

As a result, the momentum towards energy transition within this sector appears to be waning, even as plans for a gradual shift towards low-carbon alternatives remain in place.

According to GlobalData, leading companies in this sector have set ambitious targets aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with interim goals to be achieved by 2030. Such commitments reflect a growing recognition of the necessity for a transition to renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar power.

Supply chain disruptions

Despite these positive intentions, the complexities introduced by heightened energy demand, supply chain disruptions, and economic pressures—including inflation and interest rate increases—have cast doubt on the industry’s ability to maintain momentum in its energy transition efforts.

Ravindra Puranik, an Oil and Gas Analyst at GlobalData, said that the focus on energy self-reliance and a return to fossil fuels has temporarily overshadowed the push for cleaner energy solutions.

“The shift highlights the tension between immediate energy demands and the long-term objectives of sustainability, causing challenges for companies striving to implement their green initiatives amidst market uncertainties.”

Nonetheless, it is essential to recognise that the share of fossil fuels in global energy production is steadily decreasing as renewables gain market share, signaling a gradual, albeit slow, shift in the energy mix.

In the quest for decarbonisation, oil and gas companies are also exploring innovative technologies such as carbon capture, hydrogen production, and advanced energy storage solutions. These developments play a crucial role in reducing emissions and providing consumers with low-carbon alternatives.

Although the road to a sustainable future is fraught with hurdles, the necessity for long-term strategic planning and the incorporation of transition fuels present viable pathways for the industry.