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.”
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.”
For more information www.wgc2018.com
