We recently spoke with Naiara Ortiz de Mendibil, Chair of Sustainability Committee, who shared her concerns on the pressure of decarbonisation and how the IGU has been committed to advancing the role of gas in the energy transition. She hopes WGC2025 will highlight these concerns and address them with a sustainable solution.

Q1. Given the volatility of global energy markets, changing demand, and the urgent call for a faster energy transition, what is your perspective on the role of gas (natural gas, renewable gases, etc.) during this critical period?

The triennium has unfolded as a critical juncture for the global energy landscape, shaped by the intersecting challenges of geopolitical instability, volatile energy markets, and an accelerated push for sustainable solutions. Amidst this complexity, gas—both natural and renewable—has a dual role: sustaining energy security in the present and enabling a future that aligns with affordability and climate objectives.

Natural gas remains a cornerstone of energy systems worldwide, providing essential backup to intermittent renewables like wind and solar, ensuring reliability during periods of peak demand. However, its role is not static. The pressure to decarbonise is intensifying, driven by technological innovation and ambitious policy initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable gases such as biomethane and green hydrogen are emerging as game-changers. They offer a pathway to decarbonise industries and transport, sectors that are otherwise challenging to electrify. The convergence of advancements in carbon capture, storage technologies, and scalable renewable gas production will define the trajectory of the gas sector. Ultimately, the future role of gas will hinge on how well the industry aligns with the global imperatives of energy security, affordability, and sustainability.

Q2. As the global voice of Gas, what role do you see the IGU taking in the ongoing pursuit of innovation and increased sustainability for gas?

The International Gas Union (IGU) is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in fostering a sustainable and innovative future for the gas industry. Its global reach and influence enable it to act as a catalyst for change across multiple dimensions:

1. Knowledge sharing and collaboration: The IGU creates platforms for stakeholders to exchange insights and best practices, fostering cross-border and cross-sector collaboration. This ensures a unified approach to addressing challenges such as methane emissions and the integration of renewable gases.

2. Advocacy and policy development: By engaging with policymakers, the IGU emphasises the role of gas as a transitional fuel and a long-term partner in decarbonisation. It advocates for balanced regulatory frameworks that support both innovation and market stability.

3. Driving technological progress: The IGU champions the development and adoption of breakthrough technologies, including carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), as well as innovations in liquefied natural gas (LNG) efficiency and hydrogen production.

4. Raising public awareness: Educating the public about the role of gas in the energy transition is crucial. The IGU’s campaigns help to counter misconceptions and highlight the sector’s contributions to achieving net-zero targets.

Through these efforts, the IGU is not only shaping the gas industry’s evolution but also reinforcing its alignment with global sustainability objectives.

Q3. The IGU’s Triennial Work Programme 2022-2025 was an ambitious undertaking aimed at enhancing the profile of the IGU across the global gas markets and maximising the benefits of natural gas. Could you summarise three key successes or outcomes in this triennium leading the Committee or Task Force?

Despite the inherent challenges of this triennium, the Sustainability Committee has achieved several milestones that underscore its commitment to advancing the role of gas in the energy transition:

1. Elevating Renewable Gas Projects: The Committee has played a pivotal role in fostering the development of biomethane and green hydrogen projects, which are critical for decarbonising energy systems and achieving carbon neutrality.

2. Enhancing Industry Engagement: By facilitating dialogues between industry leaders and policymakers, the Committee has strengthened collaboration and promoted unified action to tackle shared challenges.

3. Establishing Frameworks for Sustainability: The development of guiding frameworks has empowered stakeholders to integrate sustainability into their operations and long-term strategies.

While the triennium has been marked by limited participation in some areas, these achievements demonstrate the Committee’s resilience and its ability to drive impactful initiatives.

Q4: What do you think is the success of the Chinese Presidency in the triennium and what’s your expectation to the incoming Italian Presidency?

The Chinese Presidency of the IGU has successfully highlighted the strategic importance of gas in balancing energy security and sustainability, even amidst global disruptions. By prioritising innovation and fostering international cooperation, it has reinforced gas’s role as a reliable and adaptable energy source.

Looking ahead, the Italian Presidency is poised to build on these successes with a focus on:

· Accelerating renewable gas development: Expanding biomethane and hydrogen projects to meet growing demand for cleaner energy solutions.

· Mitigating methane emissions: As human-caused methane emissions continue to increase, there are more reasons than ever to reduce methane emissions this decade and the gas sector has an important role to play by improving even more leak detection and reparation procedures, as well as the recovery and utilisation of vented gas ones.

· Advancing CCS and CCUS deployment: Scaling up carbon capture and storage technologies to mitigate emissions from natural gas.

· Enhancing circular economic integration: Promoting the role of gas in recycling waste into valuable energy resources.

· Strengthening global energy security: Fostering resilience in energy systems through diversified supply chains and strategic alliances.

The Italian Presidency’s emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration will ensure that gas remains integral to the global energy transition while addressing emerging challenges.

Q5: With the theme “Energising a Sustainable Future,” how significant is WGC2025 for the IGU and the global gas market? What key trends from the abstracts excite you about the programme, and what makes this year’s event particularly valuable for attendees?

The WGC2025 will serve as a cornerstone event for the gas industry, providing a vital platform for knowledge exchange, strategic discussions, and innovation showcases. The theme, “Energising a Sustainable Future,” underscores the industry’s commitment to driving the energy transition while addressing critical issues like energy security and affordability.

Key trends emerging from the abstracts include:

1. Decarbonisation: Strategies and technologies for reducing emissions across the gas value chain.

2. Digitalisation: Harnessing AI and advanced analytics to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

3. Sustainability: Innovations in renewable gases and the integration of gas with renewable energy systems.

4. Global resilience: Tackling supply chain vulnerabilities and ensuring reliable energy access.

What makes WGC2025 particularly valuable is its comprehensive approach which I believe attendees will benefit from:

· High-level insights: Engaging with thought leaders and policymakers shaping the future of energy.

· Innovative exhibitions: Exploring cutting-edge technologies and solutions in the gas sector.

· Networking opportunities: Connecting with a global network of industry professionals.

This year’s programme promises to equip attendees with actionable insights, fostering collaboration and innovation to navigate the evolving energy landscape.