“十五五”时期，天然气成新型能源体系关键支撑

Core Viewpoint - Natural gas is positioned as a "strategic energy" that plays multiple roles, including a stable foundation, flexible regulator, and key link in the context of energy security and low-carbon transition [1][3]. Group 1: Policy Consensus - A clear policy consensus has emerged from 23 provincial planning suggestions, highlighting the indispensable "link" role of natural gas in connecting traditional energy systems with future new energy systems, without imposing consumption caps like those on coal and oil [5][6]. Group 2: Infrastructure Development - The realization of natural gas's strategic position heavily relies on the improvement of infrastructure, with recent provincial plans and national policies aiming to create a more efficient and flexible "national network" [8]. - The National Development and Reform Commission's revised regulations aim to enhance planning uniformity and ensure that key projects are coordinated at the national level to avoid efficiency barriers caused by fragmented local planning [8]. Group 3: Application Potential - The application potential of natural gas is entering a phase of comprehensive release, with significant growth expected in gas-fired power generation, which is recognized as a core area for future consumption growth [10]. - The integration of natural gas with hydrogen energy is emerging as an important development trend, with natural gas pipelines seen as potential infrastructure for large-scale hydrogen transport [10].