8 | |NOVEMBER 2025IN MY OPINIONENERGY TRANSITION IN THE NATURAL GAS INDUSTRYWith over four decades of experience in the natural gas industry, Terry Kreuz is a seasoned leader committed to transforming traditional energy into a more sustainable future. As Managing Director at National Fuel Gas Company, he focuses on driving innovation and guiding the industry's evolution toward reliable, responsible, and low-carbon solutions.The natural gas industry stands at a pivotal moment. While public discourse often frames energy transition as an either-or proposition, fossil fuels versus renewables, those of us working within established energy companies see a more nuanced reality. The path forward requires leveraging existing infrastructure and expertise while simultaneously building tomorrow's energy systems.The Pragmatic Approach to DecarbonizationAfter years of developing energy transition strategies, I've learned that successful decarbonization initiatives must balance environmental goals with operational realities. The most impactful projects often emerge from understanding what a company does exceptionally well and finding new applications for those core competencies.Take, for instance, reducing methane emissions. The technology and operational knowledge required to detect, capture, and manage methane are not fundamentally different from those used in traditional pipeline operations. It's an evolution of existing capabilities. This familiarity allows teams to implement solutions more rapidly and cost-effectively than entirely novel technologies might permit.The results speak volumes. Industry-wide, we're seeing methane emissions reductions of 20-30% or more within relatively short timeframes. These aren't theoretical future targets. These are measurable improvements that are happening now through enhanced leak detection, equipment upgrades, and operational modifications.Beyond Traditional BoundariesWhat's particularly interesting is how energy transition work pushes companies beyond their traditional boundaries. Renewable natural gas development, for example, requires partnerships with dairy farms, landfills, and wastewater treatment facilities sectors that most pipeline companies have rarely engaged with historically.These collaborations reveal unexpected enhancements. Agricultural operations need waste management solutions, while energy companies need renewable feedstocks. The resulting partnerships create value for both parties while advancing environmental objectives. It's a reminder that energy transition isn't solely about technology, it's equally about building new relationships and business models.The Infrastructure AdvantageOne advantage established energy companies possess is existing infrastructure. Pipeline networks, compression stations, and distribution systems represent billions of dollars in assets that, with modifications, can support multiple energy sources. Rather than viewing this infrastructure as stranded assets, forward-thinking companies are reimagining how these systems might accommodate hydrogen blending, carbon capture, or renewable gas integration.By Terry Kreuz, Managing Director of Energy Transition Technology, National Fuel Gas CompanyTerry Kreuz
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