Recent data shows a clear significance for the Middle East and North Africa region, which includes about 6 countries on the list, reflecting an increasing reliance on gas as a fundamental pillar in the energy mix. According to recent estimates, the total global electricity generation from gas reached approximately 6919 terawatt-hours last year, with limited growth not exceeding 0.5%, indicating a slowdown in expansion compared to the rising global electricity demand, as reported by the ‘Energy’ platform.
The role of natural gas is highlighted in ensuring energy stability through its ability to provide continuous and controllable generation, compared to renewable energy sources affected by climatic factors. It also gives countries with local reserves, such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, an advantage in reducing dependence on imports, thereby mitigating the impact of global market fluctuations and geopolitical crises.
In this context, political economy researcher from Moscow, Musa Al-Amala, stated to ‘Sputnik’ that Middle East disruptions, especially in the Strait of Hormuz, disrupted about 20% of the global energy supply, reinforcing the importance of stable alternatives like Russian gas, which offers safer supply routes to Asia and Europe.
Amid ongoing global tensions and rising oil prices, countries capable of securing gas supplies locally or through long-term partnerships appear more able to protect their economies from shocks and maintain the stability of their energy systems, establishing gas as a strategic element in the global energy security equation.
