BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 7. Switching from coal to natural gas should be prioritized as a near-term, cost-effective solution for reducing emissions in the power sector, given current time and financial constraints, Trend reports citing a commentary by Masoumeh Moradzadeh, expert at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
“While renewables will undoubtedly play a central role in the long-term transformation of the energy system, natural gas presents a cleaner alternative that can be deployed more swiftly,” Moradzadeh said in an expert commentary. “It supports decarbonization efforts without causing major disruptions to energy supply or affordability.”
She noted that accelerating the deployment of emissions-reduction technologies such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) will be essential in making natural gas even cleaner. “CCUS can significantly reduce emissions from natural gas, making it a vital element of a low-carbon energy future,” Moradzadeh added. She also pointed to the importance of carbon removal projects in sectors where electrification remains difficult.
Moradzadeh emphasized that a well-functioning Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM) could help drive coal-to-gas switching by providing market incentives for both CCUS and carbon removal technologies. “Through PACM, the transition to cleaner energy can be achieved in a way that is both affordable and reliable,” she said.
According to Moradzadeh, gas-rich nations are uniquely positioned to support coal-dependent developing countries in their energy transition. “By leveraging Articles 6.2 and 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, gas-exporting countries can play a central role in enabling the coal-to-gas shift,” she noted. This includes ensuring affordable and stable gas supplies, investing in necessary transport and storage infrastructure, and contributing climate finance for transition efforts.
She stressed that expertise in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and delivery can further accelerate this shift, helping drive down emissions in coal-heavy power sectors.
However, she warned that the long-term viability of this transition hinges on continued investment in emissions-reduction technologies, particularly CCUS and methane abatement. “Climate finance must be directed toward these areas to ensure natural gas remains a competitive low-carbon option,” Moradzadeh concluded. “By doing so, gas-exporting nations can support global decarbonization, enhance energy security, and contribute meaningfully to the fight against climate change.”
