popular articles

Chevron sees natural gas and AI as essential to the future of energy

The growing importance of artificial intelligence raises questions about the energy sources needed. Chevron CEO Michael Wirth criticizes the Biden administration's policies, arguing for natural gas as an essential solution to AI's energy demands.

Please share:

The growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in various industrial sectors raises crucial questions about the energy sources needed to power this technological revolution.
In this context, Chevron CEO Michael Wirth criticizes the Biden administration’s energy policies, which he sees as detrimental to the natural gas industry.
Wirth highlights the essential role of natural gas, particularly that extracted from the Permian Basin, in meeting the growing energy needs of data centers powering AI.
Wirth points out that new government initiatives to regulate energy for AI data centers could compromise U.S. climate goals.
The White House recently set up a task force on AI data center infrastructure, seeking to align economic and environmental policies.
However, Wirth defends the idea that natural gas, as a low-carbon energy source, is a preferable alternative to coal for meeting AI’s energy demands.
He declares,

“AI’s advance will depend not only on the design labs of Silicon Valley, but also on the gas fields of the Permian Basin.”

The challenges of liquefied natural gas exports

Wirth is also critical of the Biden administration’s decision to suspend approvals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects.
In his view, this pause could lead to higher energy costs and threaten the reliability of supplies.
In January, Biden announced the suspension, a decision welcomed by some environmental groups, but which could delay crucial projects until after the November elections.
Wirth argues that the moratorium on LNG exports could slow the transition from coal to gas, leading to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
Chevron’s CEO insists that natural gas plays a key role in reducing global carbon emissions.
He cites data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), which attributes more than a third of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 to coal combustion.
Wirth proposes that the switch from coal to gas could be “the most significant carbon reduction initiative in history”.

A call for a stable political environment

In a world where decarbonization has become a priority, Wirth calls for a stable and predictable policy environment to ensure that natural gas remains a reliable source of energy.
He outlines three pillars for a balanced energy future: political support for gas as the key to a low-carbon future, recognition of the progress made in deploying new gas technologies and solutions, and understanding that the energy transition requires unprecedented innovation and collaboration.
Wirth concludes that “the case for natural gas is so strong that only politics can stand in its way”.
This statement highlights the tensions between environmental objectives and economic realities, underlining the need for constructive dialogue between industry players and political decision-makers.
Wirth’s thoughts on the role of natural gas in the energy transition and its importance for AI underline the challenges facing the energy industry.
As companies seek to meet growing energy demand while respecting climate commitments, the need for a balanced and pragmatic approach is becoming increasingly apparent.
Future policy decisions will have a significant impact on how companies can navigate this complex landscape, and the voice of industry leaders like Wirth will be crucial in shaping the energy future.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

A gas leak has been identified at the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) site, which has been operational since late December, off the coasts of Senegal and Mauritania. BP states that the situation is under control and poses no risk to the environment or workers.
Donald Trump confirmed his intention to finalise a major pipeline project in Alaska, aiming to supply natural gas to Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea. The project, one of the largest in the world, could strengthen the region's energy supply.
Donald Trump confirmed his intention to finalise a major pipeline project in Alaska, aiming to supply natural gas to Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea. The project, one of the largest in the world, could strengthen the region's energy supply.
In 2024, France maintained its position as the leading importer of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Europe, despite an overall decline in its gas consumption.
In 2024, France maintained its position as the leading importer of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Europe, despite an overall decline in its gas consumption.
The Irish government has greenlit the construction of an offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, a key infrastructure to ensure the country's energy security in case of supply disruptions.
The Irish government has greenlit the construction of an offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, a key infrastructure to ensure the country's energy security in case of supply disruptions.
Gas demand in France decreased by 5.5% in 2024, largely due to the reduction in gas-fired power generation, according to NaTran, the operator of the gas transmission network.
In February 2025, US LNG exports to Europe reached a historic high, with the UK as the top importing country, as demand for natural gas continues to grow in the European market.
In February 2025, US LNG exports to Europe reached a historic high, with the UK as the top importing country, as demand for natural gas continues to grow in the European market.
ChampionX announced that its Aerial Optical Gas Imaging (AOGI) platform has received EPA approval for the alternative methane testing method, enabling operators to better monitor fugitive methane emissions.
ChampionX announced that its Aerial Optical Gas Imaging (AOGI) platform has received EPA approval for the alternative methane testing method, enabling operators to better monitor fugitive methane emissions.
Enbridge Inc. highlights a series of investments aimed at enhancing its energy capacity, with a solid growth vision through 2030, while maintaining an attractive return for its shareholders.
Enbridge Inc. highlights a series of investments aimed at enhancing its energy capacity, with a solid growth vision through 2030, while maintaining an attractive return for its shareholders.
Algerian public company Sonelgaz will build a 40 MW power plant in Niger as part of a project aimed at strengthening energy cooperation between the two countries, following a memorandum of understanding signed in late February.
European gas prices reach their lowest level in two months, supported by progress in Ukraine negotiations and slight improvement in gas reserves. The Dutch TTF futures contract falls 3.37% to €42.80.
European gas prices reach their lowest level in two months, supported by progress in Ukraine negotiations and slight improvement in gas reserves. The Dutch TTF futures contract falls 3.37% to €42.80.
Czech energy group CEZ has won an arbitration case against Russian company Gazprom, securing more than one billion crowns in damages for reduced gas deliveries in 2022.
Czech energy group CEZ has won an arbitration case against Russian company Gazprom, securing more than one billion crowns in damages for reduced gas deliveries in 2022.
Global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is expected to rise by 60% by 2040, driven by economic growth in Asia, emissions reduction efforts in industry and transport, and the impact of artificial intelligence, according to Shell.
Global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is expected to rise by 60% by 2040, driven by economic growth in Asia, emissions reduction efforts in industry and transport, and the impact of artificial intelligence, according to Shell.
The European gas market is experiencing a period of volatility in 2025, with prices reaching their highest level in two years, adding pressure on businesses, consumers, and governments.
Orca Energy Group has fully repaid a 60 million USD loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and signed an agreement with the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and Tanzania Portland Cement Company (TPCC) for additional gas supply to the Wazo Hill plant in Tanzania.
Orca Energy Group has fully repaid a 60 million USD loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and signed an agreement with the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and Tanzania Portland Cement Company (TPCC) for additional gas supply to the Wazo Hill plant in Tanzania.
ExxonMobil, through its subsidiary Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd, announces a $200 million investment in the Kipper 1B gas project, in partnership with Mitsui E&P Australia and Woodside Energy, to boost gas supply for the Australian market.
ExxonMobil, through its subsidiary Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd, announces a $200 million investment in the Kipper 1B gas project, in partnership with Mitsui E&P Australia and Woodside Energy, to boost gas supply for the Australian market.
Spanish energy group Naturgy reports a 4.3% decrease in net profit for 2024, impacted by weak gas prices, despite results surpassing initial expectations.
Spanish energy group Naturgy reports a 4.3% decrease in net profit for 2024, impacted by weak gas prices, despite results surpassing initial expectations.
Natural gas remains an essential part of the energy transition, supporting renewable energy while reducing emissions. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding carbon prices and the competitiveness of gas against coal.
Electrochaea and Hitachi announce a strategic partnership aimed at introducing synthetic methane production technology to Japan, marking a significant milestone in the clean energy sector.
Electrochaea and Hitachi announce a strategic partnership aimed at introducing synthetic methane production technology to Japan, marking a significant milestone in the clean energy sector.
France’s imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia surged by 81% between 2023 and 2024, reaching €2.68 billion. With its extensive port infrastructure, France has become the primary entry point for Russian LNG into Europe, marking a shift in the market landscape.
France’s imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia surged by 81% between 2023 and 2024, reaching €2.68 billion. With its extensive port infrastructure, France has become the primary entry point for Russian LNG into Europe, marking a shift in the market landscape.
TotalEnergies and ENI have reached an agreement with Cyprus and Egypt to develop the Cronos gas field. This initiative aims to convert the resources of Block 6 into liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the European market, utilizing existing Egyptian infrastructure.
TotalEnergies and ENI have reached an agreement with Cyprus and Egypt to develop the Cronos gas field. This initiative aims to convert the resources of Block 6 into liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the European market, utilizing existing Egyptian infrastructure.
BP has announced the commissioning of two new wells in the Raven gas field, part of the West Nile Delta project in Egypt. This expansion aims to increase the country's natural gas production and support national energy objectives.
Commonwealth LNG has obtained a conditional non-free trade agreement (non-FTA) export authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy and a draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) from the FERC, marking significant progress toward a final investment decision in September 2025.
Commonwealth LNG has obtained a conditional non-free trade agreement (non-FTA) export authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy and a draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) from the FERC, marking significant progress toward a final investment decision in September 2025.
Italian oil company Eni plans to continue its exploration activities at the Zohr gas field in Egypt for an additional two years. This decision comes as the site’s production has declined in recent years, impacting the country’s energy supply.
Italian oil company Eni plans to continue its exploration activities at the Zohr gas field in Egypt for an additional two years. This decision comes as the site’s production has declined in recent years, impacting the country’s energy supply.
After a fire in November 2024, the Alrar gas complex in Illizi has resumed part of its operations. Three out of four production trains are now operational, while the rehabilitation of the last one is still underway.
After a fire in November 2024, the Alrar gas complex in Illizi has resumed part of its operations. Three out of four production trains are now operational, while the rehabilitation of the last one is still underway.

Advertising