Yemie ADEOYE

There are moves by Australia to emerge as a leader in the international gas industry, as it played host recently to investors, operators and other stakeholders in the global gas community.The conference, first of its kind to be hosted by the Australian government was organized in response to industry demand, with a focus on the markets contribution, particularly to LNG, from both a local and global perspective.

President of the International Gas Union (IGU) Dr Abdul Rahim Hashim, provided the keynote speech for the event, describing the transformation of the global gas market and Australia’s importance to the sector. In his address, Dr. Rahim outlined the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the industry as Australia continues as a frontrunner in developing new technologies and innovations to meet today’s energy needs.

Dr. Rahim said Australia Gas 2011 forms part of the IGU’s wider commitment to promoting and enhancing natural gas as a source of clean, efficient and value added energy to sustain future global growth.

“In order to address the many and varied opportunities and challenges the industry is currently facing, it is vital that we bring the industry’s top minds together to form a collective and informed response. We currently have an exciting chance to direct the course of the global energy markets as we look to protect our environment while meeting increasing global energy needs.”

Dr. Rahim praised the commitment of the global gas community and its efforts to date, and emphasised the need for the community to continue its momentum in steering the world towards a low carbon economy.

“Strategic discussion and networking opportunities like Australia Gas 2011 bring together the innovation and critical thinking needed to realise the potential of untapped synergies across the industry. In this way, IGU sets the platform for the global gas community and a sustainable future in energy.”

As the spokesperson for the gas industry, IGU continues to play active roles in initiating and leading various efforts to advocate the value and long-term potential of natural gas as the fuel of choice, today and in the future.

In keeping with this theme, Gas: Sustaining Future Global Growth is the focus for the IGU’s 25th World Gas Conference 2012, where the global gas community will converge on Kuala Lumpur to address the emerging trends in light of political, sustainable and security issues. Held between the 4th and 8th of June in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next year, Dr. Rahim, who is also the President of Malaysian Gas Association (MGA), will lead the IGU and Asia to strategically position the industry for international growth.