North America could become a net exporter of natural gas by about 2020, Irving-based Exxon Mobil says in its latest outlook for world energy markets. The world’s largest private oil and gas producer also said North America — Canada, the United States and Mexico — would be a net exporter of both crude oil and natural gas by about 2030. The company’s annual outlook projects supply and demand trends to 2040.
Exxon, the nation’s largest natural gas producer with its 2010 purchase of Fort Worth-based XTO Energy, also sees natural gas use gaining at the expense of coal. Much of that is owing to the impact of climate change concerns and public policies in developed economies, although coal use will continue to grow in the developing world, especially China. By 2040, natural gas will account for 30 percent of global electricity generation, compared with less than 25 percent today, Exxon says.
The Star-Telegram has a longer report here.
-- Jim Fuquay
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