Energy consultant and executive David Lawrence spent over a decade advising the multinational energy company Shell on business development matters. David Lawrence’s extensive background in research geology and executive experience in exploration, development, acquisitions, divestments, strategy, natural gas, wind and finance at Shell has earned him recognition as a leading expert in the energy investment industry.

The demand for energy is expected to increase significantly over the next forty years. Much of this demand will be concentrated in nations in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, mainly due to these regions' burgeoning economies. A notable driver of energy demand is increased purchasing power, which leads to more households purchasing goods that run on electricity. However, many developing nations lack efficient energy infrastructure, thereby causing gaps in energy demand and consumption. 

Meeting this growing demand for reliable energy in a manner that is compatible with worldwide emission reduction goals is challenging. Multiple solutions have been put forth by the governments of developing nations and the international community. These proposed solutions are as varied as tapping into local coal reserves to modular LNG to building solar grids.