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Natural gas is the most environmental friendly of the fossil fuels and has the lowest CO2 emission per unit of energy. This amounts to 40-50% lower emissions than coal and 20-30 % lower than oil. Increased use of gas will therefore contribute to a reduction of greenhouse gases, and lower the impact on the environment when the alternative energy is coal or oil.
Natural gas is also increasingly being introduced in the transportation sector where it has positive effects in the form of reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, as well as lower noise. This is of particular importance in big cities where pollution from the transportation sector can be a serious health problem for the inhabitants.
Natural gas can therefore be regarded as the transition fuel towards a more sustainable energy future.
Promotion of natural gas by the gas industry
The gas industry is actively promoting the positive fundamentals of natural gas, which are related to easy access, competitive pricing, environmental friendliness and convenience of use.
The gas industry must continue to deliver what the customers expect: reliable supplies at an affordable price. Increased competition has given the customers the possibility to switch supplier.
There has been a lot of focus on a few minor disruptions of gas supplies to Europe. But the fact is that the industry has a fantastic record of supply security, even in extremely cold winters with corresponding sudden increases in demand.
The gas prices have increased, but this is mainly due to increases in oil prices as the gas price is linked to this competing fuel to ensure its competitiveness.
How can IGU support the gas industry?
The International Gas Union, IGU, the only global organisation with 100 percent focus on natural gas, has active working committees covering the whole value chain. Here experts from all over the world meet to discuss issues related to the environment, economics and technology. IGU brings the experts together and offers a unique platform for networking and sharing of knowledge and best practices. Today more that 700 experts are involved in our committees with studies that will be presented at the World Gas Conference (WGC) in Buenos Aires in 2009.
The industry needs to invest billions of euros to provide the energy the world is demanding. IGU analyses the impact national and regional regulations may have on the business environment and investment climate. This has become a major issue for the gas industry.
The Gas Efficiency Award
IGU has introduced a “Gas Efficiency Award” to encourage projects that will bring increased efficiency in the use of gas. Each award is valued at euro 10.000 and two awards will be selected each year in 2008 and 2009. The winner will be invited to present the project at the WGC in Buenos Aires in October 2009.
Conferences and events
IGU is also actively supporting conferences and events organised by our members, and is often asked to provide expert speakers to cover special topics. IGU is the co-sponsor of LNG conferences, and the coming LNG 16 will take place in Algeria in 2010. More short term, the IGU Gas Research Conference will take place in Paris in October 2008.
Natural gas in the transportation sector
In October 2007 IGU and two other affiliated organisations, Marcogaz and the International Association for Natural Gas Vehicles jointly signed letters to be sent to national authorities and to CEOs of the gas industry. We hope this initiative will make clear that the policymakers at the governmental level and industry leaders must work together in order to reach common goals.
World Gas Conference
The WGC every third year is a unique opportunity for people in the industry to meet and be updated on recent developments. The topics will cover short and long-term perspectives of a technical and strategic nature as well as political topics.
I hope to see many Danish gas colleagues there!
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