The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) forecasts global energy demand will increase from 641 exajoules in 2024 to 768 exajoules by 2055, a 20% rise driven by economic and population growth.

Senior Energy Forecast Analyst Abubakar Abbas told the Energy Finance Forum at African Energy Week 2026 in Cape Town that both renewable energy and natural gas will account for most of the growth, creating opportunities for new gas projects and supporting infrastructure.

Abbas highlighted that natural gas’s share of power‑generation demand is expected to rise from 35% in 2024 to 39% by 2055, while its share for residential heating will fall.

He noted that 86% of the gas expected to be produced in 2055 will come from fields not yet operating, underscoring the need to accelerate exploration, resource development and project execution.

For Africa, Abbas estimated a cumulative $1 trillion investment across the natural‑gas value chain will be required to develop new resources, build infrastructure and expand both domestic supply and export capacity.

The forum also expects LNG to play a larger role in linking producing regions with international markets, as demand growth spreads across North America, Eurasia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Abbas added that demand for carbon‑intensive fuels such as coal is projected to decline, while natural gas and renewables will become increasingly important for meeting future energy needs and advancing sustainability goals.