The first ever G20 Natural Gas Day, on June 29, 2016, was attended by over 300 delegates and highlighted the importance of natural gas in the world’s energy future.
The tone was set at the Energy Ministerial opening ceremony, where China’s Vice Premier, Zhang Gaoli, provided a strong endorsement of the role of natural gas in China and presented a glimpse into China’s energy transition. The emphasis on reducing pollution is driving the demand for natural gas in China, and by 2020, the country is expected to increase the use of natural gas from 6% to over 10% of its primary energy mix.
Addressing the G20 Energy Ministers and delegation at the meeting, David Carroll, President of the IGU, highlighted the need to tackle the challenges of industrial development and balance public health with sustainable economic growth. In his presentation he called for collaboration between government and industry to take action and also emphasised the role that the IGU, as an organization representing over 97% of the global natural gas, will continue to play in this respect. He stated “It is more urgent than ever for governments to differentiate natural gas from other fossil fuels with effective and favourable policies. There is a clear need for industry participants and policy makers to collaborate and clear up this misunderstanding and correct public perception to allow for greater promotion and development of natural gas.”
The Communiqué from the G20 Energy Ministers following the meeting recognised and reaffirmed the important role that natural gas will play in moving towards a sustainable low GHG emission energy future and the improvement of air quality around the world. Furthermore, they acknowledged the shared task ahead, concluding “We will enhance collaboration on solutions that promote natural gas extraction, transportation, and processing in a manner that minimizes environmental impacts.”
“There are good reasons to be upbeat about the future for natural gas,” said Dr Faith Birol, the IEA’s Executive Director. The G20 Natural Gas Day created an ideal foundation for discussion and debate and there is every reason to believe that natural gas “will go far beyond its position as a bridge fuel” stated David Carroll, “We believe that natural gas can make a positive impact on energy security, economic development and environmental targets.”
Raising the voice of gas across the globe is a critical part of the planning for WGC 2018 and the 27th World Gas Conference will be an ideal platform for the global natural gas industry, its customers, policy makers, influential leaders and experts from across the world to discuss and debate the role of natural gas in promoting sustainable development.
“We are actively engaging in raising the global voice of gas and are enthused by the outcomes of the first G20 Natural Gas Day, as we were following the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties in 2015 in Paris” added Jay Copan, Executive Director, WGC 2018, “the 27th World Gas Conference in Washington will be the culmination of our USA Presidency, but a continuation of our ongoing efforts to raise the global voice of IGU and the global gas industry.”
Notes to Editor
About WGC 2018
The 27th World Gas Conference is the leading global industry event and is the definitive gathering of influential leaders, buyers and sellers, policy-makers and experts from around the world.
You will hear critical business insights and lively debates on the most topical issues facing the global gas industry today and in the future.
From 25-29 June 2018, Washington DC is expected to host 12,000 attendees, 500 speakers and 350 exhibitors representing, more than 600 companies from 100 countries.
Presented by the IGU, this is the largest and most high-profile gas event that is conducted by the industry for the industry.
For more information www.wgc2018.com
About the Owners of WGC 2018
IGU
The International Gas Union (IGU) was founded in 1931 and is a worldwide non-profit organisation. The members of the IGU are associations and corporations which represent over 97% of the global gas market. www.igu.org
Contact:
Amy Jordan
Head of Marketing
CWC Solutions
Email: ajordan@thecwcgroup.com
Tel: +44 20 7978 0019