Mr Andrea Stegher – the President of the International Gas Union (IGU) – attended the 41^st International Scientific & Expert Meeting of Gas Professionals, in Opatija, Croatia

Assoc. Prof. Dalibor Pudić, PhD. (President of the Croatian Gas Association), and Mr Andrea Stegher (President, International Gas Union)

Mr Andrea Stegher’s speech

Your Excellencies, esteemed guests, colleagues, and friends,

I’m delighted to be back in Opatija for the 41^st International Scientific & Expert Meeting of Gas Professionals, this time as the President of the International Gas Union.

I am glad to be here to discuss with you all the role of Gas in driving Human Progress and Global Growth, our IGU motto.

This might not be a novel concept but, at the same time, it is a fundamental truth we must always recall, as our industry provides a critical service to the world. We supply one quarter of the global energy needs, and Gas goes beyond mere power generation as many, still too many wrongly assume.

Gas – according to the latest IEA reports – has been the second most used energy source (after solar) to meet the increased global energy demand of last year.

The Gas industry is, indeed, essential in many ways: it serves the present needs of today’s consumers and it makes energy available for the coming generations.

Notwithstanding this, in several geographies and for quite some time in the last few years, our industry had to fight and push back against ideology.

Energy demand was projected to decline, and Gas was considered a temporary, necessary but unwanted solution, with various government and regulatory policies stopping the Gas and Gas infrastructure investments support, even banning or proposing to ban its use in some sectors.

Let me be clear: Government policies – however well-intentioned – must not create further uncertainty and energy insecurity by deterring investment in Gas supply and related infrastructures.

Closer co-operation between government and industry is necessary to ensure that regulatory actions – such as the EU’s Methane Regulation for instance – are aligned with industry realities and do not hinder countries’ ongoing efforts to achieve energy security through Gas related initiatives, among which diversification is key.

We see today that dogmatic considerations have been factually challenged by reality. In fact, when looking at data, we have a clear understanding of the increased energy needs that a growing global population, and a highly underserved share of it, require. And this is even more true in these complex and challenging times, where energy and energy infrastructure have been targeted.

The world’s hunger for energy is nowhere near satiated, on the contrary: as more and more people and economies are lifted from either energy or economic poverty, the energy demand will only grow from here, as we – the International Gas Union and our flagship reports – have constantly argued that it would.

Today, we have two “new kids on the block” added to the energy hunger: AI and data centres.

So, if we are serious about meeting this increasing energy demand with a lower carbon intensity, Gas becomes truly essential for the foreseeable long-term future, among other solutions like renewable electricity.

But – for these very reasons – we must continue investing in Gas and Gas infrastructure development, at the right scale and at the appropriate time (and the time is now), to avoid risks for the overall long-term energy scenario, negatively affecting energy security, energy affordability and the environmental challenges that we need to address.

These are the three – dynamically evolving – elements of what is normally labelled as the energy trilemma but, to me, they are “sustainability 360°”.

We, the International Gas Union, are the living proof of a fundamental truth that has guided and moved our industry forward for almost a century now.

We are an essential part of any sustainable and credible future energy scenario.

The International Gas Union was established in 1931, during a period of global economic uncertainty, when businesses were struggling, and nations were focusing inward.

Yet the Gas sector opted for collaboration instead of isolation, for discussion over disagreement, and strived towards creating a unified global voice.

Ninety-five years later, with members in over 70 countries across the globe, representing over 90% of the world’s Gas value chain, the IGU continues to be – more than ever – the Global Voice of Gas.

And we also speak – and more so in the last years – with many relevant external stakeholders, and we are constantly advocating for the irreplaceable role of Gas in any energy conversations.

In fact, our role isn’t just to advocate; it’s to offer facts, data and indisputable evidence that what we – our companies and our people – do matter in the public discussions and decisions affecting us all.

Our role is to make it factually evident, and possibly more so in periods of uncertainty, that Gas is and will remain secure, dependable, cost-effective and, most importantly, essential in any future energy scenario.

Croatia is a success story combining many different parts of the Gas value chain, with domestic production, infrastructure developments and regional perspective, perfectly illustrating a long-term vision built on trusted Gas relationships. The beautiful city of Opatija is also a clear signpost of the long-standing and clear focus of our industry on experts’ knowledge and innovation. And innovation, supported by strong technical and scientific capabilities, remains central to our industry.

Technically robust and future-proof evolutions are happening by the day, both when considering the “traditional” natural gas systems and the new frontiers of green and low-emission solutions.

Full-scale digitalisation, AI to improve efficiency, a variety of technologies to reduce emissions and many others are today’s features of our industry.

And innovation is also happening with gaseous molecules: biomethane, hydrogen, e-methane and CO₂ capture, storage and utilisation.

We need to continue developing options while recognising that new solutions will require time and investments.

And they will not substitute, but integrate, the role of natural gas in the foreseeable future.

Technical knowledge and best practice sharing form an essential part of our IGU DNA, as well as advancing knowledge and promoting open dialogue across our Union.

Our committees stand high to demonstrate what our industry is doing to continue making Gas – with capital G– to include all gaseous solutions – an essential part of the energy needs of the citizens of today and tomorrow.

With this solid background, it is a privilege for me to serve as President of such an organisation, capitalising on our members’ diverse competences, knowledge and skills.

It is my duty and my pleasure to echo loudly the voice of Gas globally, as I am doing here today at this important conference, hosted by the Croatian Gas Association, IGU’s charter member, and with INA, Plinacro and other relevant players active in the local and regional market. Our voice – the voice of the IGU – is one of resilience in delivering energy every day, under all circumstances, and a voice of continuous innovation. And innovation will also be the focus of our next IGRC2027 conference next year, in Budapest, and I would like to invite you all to submit an abstract or secure your delegate spot.

We speak for our global Gas sector in international fora like COP meetings, G20 and G7, and with multilateral institutions.

We – and we have to be proud of it – promote environmental leadership, market vitality, and value creation: three pillars that are the foundation of my Presidency. And to our Union itself.

However, global policy conversations become more meaningful when we provide more regional focus to enhance our positive impact, considering the diverse needs of different regions.

And in this respect, it is also important that our members take action and amplify our positions: we speak and act on your behalf, for the benefit of our global Gas industry!

This is precisely where we, altogether, and you specifically, are so crucial for this country and the region.

The projects and infrastructures built over decades in your country are not just great evidence of past solid decision making. They are an asset for the future.

The energy transition – which we prefer to call “evolution” or “addition” or “pathways”, as there is no single and predefined solution – is not about replacing one system overnight. It is about building on and adding to what already works.

As the President of IGU, I am proud that our Union reflects this global commitment.

We are a community of engineers, operators, businessmen and innovators who are united by a shared belief in the responsible, sustainable and affordable energy evolution.

We clearly recognise the tasks ahead, but my thirty years in the industry tell me that we have the passion and the capacity to solve any challenges we will face.

Global energy growth needs require investments.

Decarbonisation requires urgency.

Climate responsibility requires action.

Innovation requires policy support.

Any sustainable future will be fuelled by many forms of energy but Gas, ladies and gentlemen, will remain central to any energy mix for the decades to come.

Thank you!