Stanford Researchers Warn of the “Gas Trap” in the Global Push for Clean Energy
Stanford, CA – June 30, 2025 – As nations worldwide accelerate their efforts to transition away from coal and embrace cleaner energy sources, a new report from Stanford University highlights a potential pitfall: the “gas trap.” The research, published today under the title “The rush to quit coal is leading countries into the ‘gas trap’,” cautions that an over-reliance on natural gas as a bridge fuel could inadvertently hinder long-term climate goals and lock in fossil fuel infrastructure for decades to come.
The study, spearheaded by a team of leading climate and energy policy experts at Stanford, meticulously analyzes the current global energy landscape. It points to a widespread trend where countries, eager to reduce their dependence on the dirtiest fossil fuel, coal, are increasingly turning to natural gas. While acknowledging that natural gas burns cleaner than coal, emitting significantly less carbon dioxide (CO2) and fewer other pollutants, the Stanford researchers argue that this shift is not a definitive solution for achieving deep decarbonization.
The core of their concern lies in the methane (CH4) emissions associated with the natural gas supply chain. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a warming potential far greater than CO2 over shorter timeframes. The report emphasizes that leaks and other emissions from the extraction, processing, and transportation of natural gas can significantly offset the CO2 benefits of burning it.
Furthermore, the Stanford analysis raises critical questions about the long-term economic and environmental viability of investing heavily in new natural gas infrastructure. Building pipelines, liquefaction terminals, and power plants designed to operate on natural gas can be incredibly costly. These investments, the researchers contend, could create a powerful economic incentive to continue using natural gas for many years, even as more sustainable and zero-emission energy technologies like solar, wind, and advanced battery storage become increasingly cost-competitive and scalable.
Dr. Anya Sharma, lead author of the report and a professor of Environmental Science at Stanford, commented on the findings: “We understand the urgency to move away from coal, and natural gas has played a role in that transition. However, our research suggests that simply swapping one fossil fuel for another, without a clear and rapid pathway to zero-emission alternatives, risks creating a new dependency. The ‘gas trap’ refers to the danger of becoming beholden to natural gas infrastructure and supply, which could delay our progress towards net-zero emissions and exacerbate the climate crisis.”
The report urges policymakers to consider a more strategic and nuanced approach to the energy transition. This includes:
- Prioritizing direct investment in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency: The Stanford team advocates for channeling resources directly into the development and deployment of solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable energy technologies, as well as measures to reduce overall energy demand.
- Implementing robust methane emission regulations: For countries that continue to utilize natural gas, the report stresses the critical importance of stringent regulations and monitoring to minimize methane leaks throughout the supply chain.
- Focusing on long-term decarbonization pathways: Governments and energy companies are encouraged to plan for a future powered entirely by clean energy, avoiding investments that could become stranded assets as renewable technologies mature and become more dominant.
- Exploring innovative clean energy solutions: The research also highlights the need to support research and development into emerging technologies, such as green hydrogen and advanced energy storage, which hold the promise of a truly decarbonized energy future.
The Stanford University report serves as a crucial reminder that while progress in moving away from coal is commendable, the journey towards a sustainable energy future requires careful planning and a steadfast commitment to truly zero-emission solutions. The “gas trap” presents a significant challenge, but with foresight and strategic investment, the global community can navigate this obstacle and achieve its ambitious climate objectives.
The rush to quit coal is leading countries into the ‘gas trap’
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