Lead StoryLocalNews
Infrastructure critical to efficient, equitable energy transition in developing economies – NLNG MD, Dr. Philip Mshelbila
Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director/CEO Nigeria LNG Limited, has highlighted Infrastructure deficits as a major challenge in high-growth markets.
Dr. Mshelbila took this position while speaking at the Gastech Exhibition & Conference 2024, which held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America (USA) from September 17 to 20, 2024.
The Nigeria LNG Limited was a Platinum Sponsor of the highly rated international event, and made a strong and impactful outing with several of its top executives presenting papers.
Speaking during the Strategic Conference, on “Energy Inclusion: Widening Access to Natural Gas and LNG to Support the Transition to a Lower-Carbon Energy System in Emerging Economies,” Dr. Mshelbila stressed the need for substantial investment in infrastructure to enable efficient and equitable energy transitions in developing countries.
He pointed out that developing economies face critical barriers, including insufficient pipelines, storage, and regasification facilities, alongside high LNG import costs and limited access to affordable energy. Overcoming these hurdles is essential for expanding access to natural gas and advancing the lower-carbon energy transition, he noted, adding that energy equity and inclusion are key to achieving global climate goals.
Dr. Mshelbila emphasized the importance of a diverse energy mix to meet rising demand for a country like Nigeria where the population is expected to exceed 250 million by 2050, and reiterated NLNG’s commitment to supporting the country’s “Decade of Gas” initiative, noting that NLNG currently supplies nearly 40% of Nigeria’s domestic LPG demand, helping to reduce reliance on biomass fuels and address associated health hazards.
The panel discussion featured prominent industry leaders, including Alan Heng, Group CEO of Pavilion Energy, and Tze San Koh, President of Natural Gas Business at ExxonMobil, and Toshiro Kudama, Head of Asia Pacific Operations, JERA.
The Panelists echoed the need for infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, and regulatory frameworks to ensure an equitable energy transition in developing economies.
The session was moderated by Lame Verre, Co-Founder and Chair of the Advisory Board at Lean In Equity & Sustainability.
