Energy and environment
Natural gas
The abundance and versatility of natural gas make it a valuable energy source to meet a variety of needs while also helping the world shift to less carbon-intensive sources of energy.
FAVORABLE ATTRIBUTES DRIVE GROWTH
Natural gas’ abundance, flexibility and comparative environmental benefits drive projected growth more than any other energy source
All of the world’s energy sources will be needed to meet rising demand to 2040, but there will be a marked shift toward cleaner fuels, particularly natural gas. Not only are natural gas resources geographically and geologically diverse, abundant, reliable and versatile in use (power generation; residential, commercial, industrial heating and cooking; and even transportation), but also natural gas emits significantly fewer pollutants than coal power generation, including NOx, SOx, particulates, mercury, and up to 60 percent fewer GHGs.
Technologies, such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, have unlocked vast unconventional resources, which have dramatically altered the natural gas supply landscape in the past decade, particularly for North America. Natural gas usage is projected to continue to expand rapidly. We expect about 40 percent of the projected growth in global energy demand from 2016 to 2040 will be met by natural gas.
A pioneer in the LNG industry
The LNG value chain is complex and capital intensive. There are three recurring strengths that make ExxonMobil the partner of choice at every link in that chain — proven project execution; attention to safety and the environment; and unparalleled financial strength.
Natural gas meets an increasing share of world demand
Percent of primary energy demand (%)
Global exploration, production and sales
Through our global affiliates, our expertise in exploring, developing, marketing, and producing hydrocarbon resources is used to supply natural gas that plays a vital role in the dual challenge of meeting the world’s need for energy while managing the effects on the environment, including the risks of climate change. These affiliates include XTO Energy which is a leading oil and natural gas producer in the United States with expertise in developing tight gas, shale gas and unconventional oil resources. XTO or its affiliates operate in all major U.S. unconventional producing regions.