Shell has projected that global demand for liquefied natural gas will rise by approximately 65% by 2050, citing a structural shift in Asian energy markets and the surging power requirements of data centres.
The supermajor’s long-term outlook positions LNG as a critical bridge fuel as nations seek lower-emission alternatives to coal, while simultaneously addressing the electricity intensity of the digital economy.
The forecast underscores the growing importance of LNG in the global energy mix, particularly in Asia, where industrial and residential demand remains robust.
Shell’s analysis suggests that the transition away from coal is not merely a policy-driven initiative but a market-led evolution, with LNG offering a flexible and cleaner-burning alternative.
This dynamic is further amplified by the rapid expansion of data centres, which are increasingly reliant on stable and scalable power sources.
For investors, the projection reinforces the long-term growth narrative for LNG infrastructure and shipping.