Nournews: Natural gas reserves, one of the world's primary energy resources, play a critical role in determining geopolitical equations. Countries with substantial reserves not only influence the global energy market but also use it to impact regional and international developments.
Iran, Russia, and Qatar, possessing the world's largest gas reserves, play a significant role in the energy market and international policies as key members of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
Gas OPEC: A Platform for Cooperation or Competition?
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), established in 2001, is an initiative aimed at coordinating natural gas production and export policies among member countries. Iran, Russia, and Qatar, the three pillars of this organization, hold more than half of the world's natural gas reserves and aim to play a decisive role in the global gas market. The organization's goals include price stabilization, reducing harmful competition among members, and strengthening gas's position in global energy supply.
Russia: Showcasing Power in the Energy Market
Russia, with a natural gas reserve of 1,688 trillion cubic feet (Tcf), is the world's largest holder of gas reserves, accounting for 24.3% of global reserves. Most of these resources are located in Siberia and are transported via pipelines like Nord Stream and TurkStream to Europe and other parts of the world.
Russia, with the world's largest natural gas reserves, has played a pivotal role in the energy market for years. The country has leveraged gas as a geopolitical tool to advance its goals. The Ukraine war and Western sanctions against Moscow have intensified efforts to reduce Europe's dependency on Russian gas. The U.S. and its European allies, through expanding LNG infrastructure and supporting alternative pipeline projects, are working to diminish Russia's gas dominance in Europe.
Iran: Potential Capacities and Current Limitations
Iran, with a reserve of 1,201 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, ranks second globally, holding 17.3% of global reserves. The South Pars Gas Field, shared between Iran and Qatar, is the world's largest gas field, comprising over 40% of Iran's reserves. Despite this vast potential, sanctions and technological limitations have prevented the full exploitation of these resources.
Iran could play a much more prominent role in the global market. However, economic sanctions, technological restrictions, and insufficient investment have hindered the country's ability to maximize its potential.
With a strategic geographical location, Iran could become a regional energy hub, exporting gas to Europe, Asia, and neighboring countries. However, Western efforts, particularly by the U.S., to limit this potential as part of its containment policy have significantly impacted Iran's ability to use gas as a tool.
Qatar: A Leader in LNG Exports
Qatar, with a reserve of 871 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, ranks third globally, holding 12.5% of global gas reserves. Through advancements in LNG technology and the development of export infrastructure, it has become the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Qatar's focus on LNG exports has made it a key player in the global gas market. Its LNG terminals and long-term contracts with Asian and European customers have given the country a significant role in global energy supply. While Iran and Russia face greater geopolitical pressures, Qatar has maintained its position by engaging with the global gas market. Leveraging extensive economic relations, especially with Europe, Qatar has secured its place in the energy landscape.
Western Efforts to Undermine Iran and Russia’s Gas Power
The U.S. and its allies are well aware of the importance of gas as a geopolitical tool for Iran and Russia. Consequently, they are expanding LNG infrastructure in the U.S. and Europe, increasing shale gas exports from the U.S., and strengthening LNG import terminals in Europe to challenge Iran and Russia's influence in supplying energy to Europe.
Additionally, the West is supporting alternative projects like the Trans-Caspian Pipeline to transport gas from Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan to Europe, creating substitutes for Russian gas. Simultaneously, the West seeks to limit Iran and Russia's access to advanced technologies for exploiting gas reserves, obstructing the development of their gas industries.
The Future of Natural Gas Geopolitics
Cooperation among Iran, Russia, and Qatar within the framework of the Gas OPEC could significantly impact the global market. However, geopolitical pressures and regional rivalries pose challenges to realizing this cooperation. On the other hand, advancements in energy technologies, increased shale gas production, and the emergence of new players in the LNG market could alter the equations.
Natural gas will remain one of the most critical power tools in international policies, with Iran, Russia, and Qatar continuing to play influential roles in regional and global developments.
NOURNEWS