Episode
57

2022 Natural Gas Markets – with Stephen Schork

October 12, 2022
|
Duration:
1797178
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In This Episode:

Join energy coaches David Arkell and John Pooley with guest Principal & Cofounder of The Schork Group Stephen Schork on an episode about what's currently happening in the natural gas market. This episode features changes we have seen this year, how the Ukraine war will impact pricing, the European natural gas market and its influence on North America, and more. Find The Schork Report here. Check out our 360 Carbon Excellence Program.

Highlights

  • Natural Gas and Inflation: Schork emphasizes that inflation, exacerbated by natural gas costs, is impacting global economies. High natural gas prices drive up costs across various sectors, notably in fertilizer production, which directly impacts food prices.
  • Geopolitical Factors: The Russia-Ukraine war and Europe’s reduced reliance on Russian gas have led to a 1700% increase in European gas prices. This shift has put intense pressure on energy and industrial markets globally.
  • Supply Chain Disruptions: Natural gas supply issues are creating volatility in the global market, affecting agricultural yields, especially for crops like corn, which require high fertilizer inputs. The shift to less fertilizer-intensive crops, like soybeans, reflects these market constraints.
  • Rising Demand for Alternatives: With high gas prices, industries are turning to alternative fuels, but transitioning entirely to renewables remains challenging due to infrastructure limitations and high costs.
  • Future of Natural Gas: Schork argues that natural gas will likely remain essential over the next few generations as a bridge fuel, crucial for ensuring a balanced transition to renewable energy sources.
  • Key Insights

  • Impact of Gas on Global Inflation: The surge in natural gas prices has contributed to widespread inflation, affecting everything from energy bills to food costs, underscoring the interlinked nature of energy and economic stability.
  • Energy Transition Realities: Complete reliance on renewables is not yet feasible due to technology and infrastructure gaps. Natural gas, despite its environmental costs, remains a vital energy source for meeting current demand.
  • Geopolitical Volatility and Price Sensitivity: Events like the Russia-Ukraine conflict have highlighted natural gas’s sensitivity to political instability, especially in Europe, where energy costs now directly reflect global crises.
  • Renewable Energy’s Limitations: Despite progress, renewable energy still faces significant limitations, particularly in heavy industry and regions with high demand fluctuations, underlining the need for a mixed energy approach.
  • Need for a Balanced Energy Strategy: Schork advocates for a balanced approach to energy policy, where both fossil fuels and renewables play roles in supporting global energy needs without compromising economic stability.
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