IGU cements it's strategic focus as the world-wide authority on natural gas

News item: IGU cements it's strategic focus as the world-wide authority on natural gas

IGU cements it's strategic focus as the world-wide authority on natural gas. For the first time in the 75 year history of International Gas Union (IGU) South America assumes the key role of IGU, in that Mr. Ernesto A. Lopez Anadón of REPSOL YPF, Argentina was elected IGU President 2006-2009 during this morning’s IGU Council meeting in Amsterdam. At the same time the Council acknowledged the new Strategic Guidelines for the next three years as well as a comprehensive work programme.

In total more than 500 leaders and specialists from the gas industry is expected to participate in the work of IGU in the new triennium under Argentine leadership, resulting in and concluding with the 24th World Gas Conference In Buenos Aires, Argentina in October 2009.

The Council precedes the opening of the 23rd World Gas Conference scheduled for 4pm this Monday in the RAI Convention Center. For the next 4 days, Amsterdam will be the centre of the world of gas, and the world of IGU will be discussed and exhibited in the RAI.

More than 4000 participants, government representatives, international energy organizations, academia, top management from all the leading Gas and oil companies of the world and specialists from more than 80 countries around the globe will convene in Amsterdam.

This morning’s Council session also marked the farewell to and acknowledgement of the drivers of the Dutch triennium (2003-2006), the Presidency and the Chairmen and Secretaries of the IGU Commit-tees, the basis of the work of IGU. Not least the outgoing President, Mr. George H.B: Verberg, former CEO of one of the largest gas companies in Europe, has over the past three years been a driving force in promoting Natural Gas as the fuel of choice.

The work of IGU covers all domains of the gas industry from the exploration well to the burner tip, but also special important features such as sustainable development, regulation and developing gas countries. Liquefied Natural Gas(LNG) is also playing an ever more important role in the work of the Union.

Natural gas is uniquely positioned to support a sustainable energy future because it is clean, abundant, efficient and cost effective. IGU, representing News, Views and Knowledge about Gas, considers it important, that the gas industry integrates economic, environmental and social factors in all its business practices. Over the last three years intensive studies have been performed in three special projects conducted by the Dutch Presidency: Gas to Power, Regulation and Sustainability. The results of these special projects will be presented at the World Gas Conference in the coming days and booklets containing the results of the studies will also be made available to the press.

If you have questions or need further information about the contents of this press release please contact the IGU secretariat at secr.igu@dong.dk , Tel: +45 4517 1200, Fax: +45 4517 1900.


International Gas Union (IGU) is a global non-commercial, non-political and non-governmental organisation. Established in 1931 with the purpose to promote the technical and economic progress of the gas industry, it now has 94 members from 68 countries all over the world. IGU Charter and Associate members are generally the most representative gas organisations or companies of a country, which may encompass producers, transporters, distributors, and technological and scientific institutes. IGU is registered in Vevey, Switzerland with the Secretariat located in Denmark, hosted by DONG Energy AS.

Peter K. Storm
Secretary general