The journey towards achieving net zero by 2050 has brought natural gas, LNG, and hydrogen to the forefront as crucial elements in ensuring energy security and accelerating the global energy transition. These vital components will be the focus of the Gastech 2023 Leadership Roundtables taking place in Singapore from 5th to 8th September 2023.
The exclusive series of 10 roundtable discussions will witness participation from over 10 energy ministers and 100 C-suite executives representing various regions, including APAC, Europe, the US, and beyond. The aim is to forge alignment on decisive actions and tangible solutions that will drive the future of the gas and energy industries while supporting worldwide decarbonization efforts for a more secure energy future.
Each closed-door session will welcome up to 30 high-profile participants, including distinguished thought leaders, strategists, policymakers, analysts, and commentators from the energy sector. These sessions will be hosted and moderated by Wood Mackenzie, Gastech’s Knowledge Partner, along with other partners like the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Siemens Energy, and the East Mediterranean Gas Forum.
One of the roundtables, hosted by UNEP, will delve into the topic, ‘How will the gas and LNG industry make a step change in its decarbonizing efforts?’. Representatives from the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), Zhero, SLB, the World Bank, the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, ENGIE, Linde, and TES will join UNEP OGMP 2.0 Manager, Giulia Ferrini, to discuss strategies for addressing the pressing issue of methane emissions reduction.
Giulia Ferrini, UNEP OGMP 2.0 Manager, emphasized the importance of the oil and gas sector taking action to curb methane emissions as a crucial step in their decarbonization efforts. Collaboration, accountability, and transparency are vital for the industry to actively participate in the transition to sustainable energy and effectively tackle the climate crisis.
Various measures are already under consideration, including responsibly produced gas, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and more efficient engines in ships. Bringing together a diverse panel of stakeholders from the public and private sectors ensures that these critical questions are not only asked but answered.
Recent commitments from ministers in Africa and Asia to enhance cooperation and solidarity in advancing access to affordable energy for their growing populations have further underscored the importance of clean energy transition within the G20 and beyond.
Numerous governments in APAC are already exploring LNG as a crucial fuel to meet their energy needs while adhering to decarbonization targets. While climate technologies show transformative potential, questions remain regarding the most effective ways to attract investments in energy projects and advance hydrogen production.
The outcomes of the Gastech 2023 Leadership Roundtables will contribute to industry reports prepared by Wood Mackenzie, supporting the global energy agenda and inspiring the industry to develop essential strategies for accelerating energy progress and achieving net zero targets.
Simon Flowers, chairman & chief analyst, Wood Mackenzie, highlighted the bullish outlook for LNG demand growth, especially from Asia, which requires significant new capacity by the mid-2030s. However, suppliers face multiple challenges, including cost inflation and meeting demands for low-carbon-footprint LNG, emphasizing the importance of meeting in Singapore for Gastech 2023.
The Leadership Roundtables provide an ideal platform for meaningful discussions about the future of energy production, supply, and usage, while fostering valuable networking opportunities for attendees to establish high-level industry connections. All sessions adhere to the Chatham House rule, enabling open and productive discussions to drive actionable outcomes.
One of the sessions, led by Siemens Energy, will focus on ‘Hydrogen – unlocking the off-takers and market signals needed to secure demand.’ It will address the critical role of hydrogen in achieving net zero and reducing scope 3 emissions in hard-to-abate sectors. The session aims to accelerate APAC’s hydrogen economy rollout while balancing decarbonization, energy security, and affordability.
Anne-Laure de Chammard, member of the executive board of Siemens Energy, stressed the importance of engaging in conversations about hydrogen to shape policies, attract investments, and establish markets. However, she acknowledged that navigating towards a thriving hydrogen economy requires careful consideration of its impact on the planet.
The Leadership Roundtables are just a part of the comprehensive agenda of high-level ministerial sessions, technical and commercial conferences at Gastech 2023. With 116 sessions spread over four days, Gastech 2023 will delve into major themes, including energy supply security, low-carbon energy for sustainable global growth, energy transition alliances, and workforce development in the energy industry worldwide.
To participate in the Gastech 2023 Leadership Roundtables, interested individuals can apply to become a Gastech Energy Club Member by registering their interest at the provided link.
