Objective In response to climate change, the energy supply side is inevitably shifting from high-carbon to low-carbon sources. The natural gas and new energy industries are collaborating and have created multi-level integration scenarios. In this study, the symbiosis theory was applied to elucidate the symbiosis mechanism and synergistic strategies between the two industries, aiming to foster the development of the new energy industry relying on the natural gas industry chain, maximize their symbiotic value, and facilitate the low-carbon transition of the energy system.

Methods Using the analytical framework of symbiosis theory, theoretical deductions were conducted to identify the symbiosis mechanism between the natural gas and new energy industries. A symbiotic system was constructed based on three elements: symbiotic units, symbiotic environment, and symbiotic models. Additionally, a symbiotic model classification matrix, combining symbiotic organization and behavior models, was introduced to analyze the interactive status, behavioral patterns, and evolutionary trends at various symbiotic interfaces.

Results The natural gas and new energy industries share a strong foundation for symbiosis. Supported by a favorable symbiotic environment, they establish multi-dimensional interfaces across areas such as peak shaving through gas power generation, transportation, urban heating, oil and gas exploration, and the entire hydrogen energy industry chain. However, based on energy flow characteristics, interactive status, and behavioral patterns at these interfaces, the current level of symbiotic organization and mutual benefit remains relatively low. In various symbiotic models, the natural gas industry concedes some benefits to the new energy industry.

Conclusion To achieve effective synergy between the two industries, the following strategies are recommended: (1) Strengthen symbiotic units by creating scenarios that deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits, fostering complementary relationships, and advancing positive symbiotic development. (2) Expand two-dimensional symbiotic interfaces, particularly by exploring full-industry-chain collaboration between natural gas and hydrogen energy. (3) Optimize the symbiotic environment by improving institutional mechanisms, advancing hydrogen-blended natural gas terminal utilization technologies, and training interdisciplinary low-carbon energy professionals. (4) Clearly define symbiotic roles to achieve harmonious collaboration and guide the evolution of symbiotic models toward higher levels of integration and mutual benefit.