2023 influencers who shaped energy: From space-based solar power to LNG and shipbroking

The year in energy has been dominated by Europe turning to LNG to replace Russian piped gas.  

Running parallel were conversations on how to progress low-carbon energy solutions like hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).  The parties at the COP 28 climate conference ultimately agreed in December to accelerate the ‘phase-down’ of fossil fuels through incorporating alternative options.  

Our coverage across Gas Matters Today — and sister titles, Gas Matters and LNG Business Review — has reflected the newly-emerging priorities across the sector, as we sought to bring you key insights from the top figures reshaping the world of energy. 

In the spirit of the festive season, we’re giving readers free access to all company profiles and interviews published this year. Enjoy!  

Reaching new heights: Is space-based solar power a viable net-zero solution? 

Various compelling perspectives stood out within our coverage this year, including one belonging to physicist and government energy advisor Martin Soltau, who is working to encourage the energy sector to consider microwaves in space, beamed down to Earth via solar panels (space-based solar power) as an alternative energy source.  

‘For some countries, Russia seems too far away to ever affect them’: Klaipedos Nafta 

As European countries like Germany and Italy scrambled to source floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) to secure LNG this year, Lithuanian LNG operator Klaipedos Nafta considered itself an example to be followed and an opportunity for various connecting Baltic countries to leverage alternative gas as they shut off pipelines from Russia.  

Small-scale LNG can help the Balkans tackle security of supply fears’: Blue Grid 

Similarly, Greek LNG firm Blue Grid’s COO Alexandros Lagakos says small-scale LNG is the answer to the country’s gasification efforts, particularly in the case of off-grid demand which can be serviced through road transport and marine bunkering. 

‘As we develop CCS, the hydrogen technologies will follow’: SSE Thermal 

This year, UK Utility SSE Thermal has pushed on with its plans to deploy CCUS technologies at various UK sites, with hydrogen key to the company’s decarbonisation strategy, says Katy Burke, engineer manager for the company’s Keadby Carbon Capture Project. 

‘In time, LNG shipping will become more liquid, like tankers and dry bulk’: SSY 

For Toby Dunipace, managing director of LNG at shipbroking firm Simpson Spence & Young (SSY), recent volatility in the natural gas market underscored the importance of LNG shipping. The rapid evolution of LNG shipping technology has been one of the most striking aspects of the business he says he has witnessed. 

‘Europe’s big regasification bet has muddied the waters’: Global Energy Monitor (GEM) 

Greig Aitken, project manager, Europe Gas Tracker, at research NGO Global Energy Monitor (GEM), has seen a huge shift in investor awareness of climate change, with momentum building up in green financing. But he believes Europe’s regasification efforts are impacting wider energy transition goals. 

‘LNG alone cannot solve the problem of Europe’s security of supply’: Axpo Solutions 

Reflecting on a momentous year for energy, Marco Saalfrank of the continental Europe merchant trading division at Swiss energy firm Axpo Solutions believes Europe’s energy landscape can still be characterised by an unprecedented level of uncertainty.  

‘Don’t be fooled that the long-term gas market is here to stay’: Carbon Tracker 

Despite an increase in fossil fuel investment from oil and gas companies in recent months, founder of finance thinktank Carbon Tracker Mark Campanale says the next decade will see a major decline in gas demand both for power and heating. “It’s going to lead to stranded assets in the future,” he says.  

‘We want a bigger share for natural gas in our production mix’: Guido Brusco, Eni 

Italian energy giant Eni’s broad strategy is decarbonisation with a focus on natural gas, says Eni COO for natural resources Guido Brusco. The company also aspires to increase production in Indonesia and maintain its focus on LNG in Africa, he adds.  

‘The global gas market has to maintain its resilience to cope with unexpected events’: Elio Ruggeri, Snam

‘The global gas market has to maintain its resilience to cope with unexpected events’: Elio Ruggeri, Snam Italian gas network operator Snam has faced challenges in phasing out Russian imports, according to executive director for LNG Elio Ruggeri. But this year the firm has increased LNG capacity by 50% compared to 2021 thanks to a new terminal in Piombino.  

Gulfstream LNG’s Vivek Chandra: Gas is the ‘fuel of the future’ but finance is locked in net-zero targets 

Raising funding to reach FID is a top priority for US LNG operator Gulfstream LNG’s export facility development in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. But the process is challenging with CEO Vivek Chandra noting industry investment is often directed at bigger players and many private investors have pivoted to lower-carbon solutions.  - NM