The main goal of this study is to analyze the role of natural gas and renewable energy in achieving sustainable development. It focused on the trade-off between renewable energy and the preferred fossil fuel (natural gas). Furthermore, it examined the role that natural gas and renewable energy can play in achieving sustainable development, beyond economic growth, as well as the potential use of natural gas as a transitional fuel for the transition to a carbon-free economy. To attain this goal, the study used an analytical approach. The findings revealed that natural gas helps to achieve sustainable development, notably in the economic and social dimensions, but it requires significant improvements to reduce its environmental impacts. The study recommended that it would be preferable to make medium-term plans to reduce its consumption, or at least impose taxes corresponding with its emissions, with the revenues employed to encourage renewable energy technologies. Achieving a 100% renewable energy system is technically feasible if research and innovation in renewable energy storage systems continues, and their support increases at the expense of fossil fuels. However, it is currently difficult to replace some some fossil fuel usage with renewable energy, such as in heavy industries and air and maritime transportation. |
