The IGU President at "Energy Dialogue:Russia-European Union".

The event which was held on 21 May 2010,  was put into the limelight with the attendance of the IGU President, Datuk (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hashim. The IGU President was invited to be one of the keynote speakers delivering the papers on “World Energy Security and Safety : Challenges and Opportunities.”

 ^{The Preident of IGU, Datuk (Dr) Abdul Rahim Hashim, in Berlin,Germany
  on 21 May 2010 (photo:E.Gonder,IGU Secr).}

In his speech, the IGU President highlighted that there are many favourable factors that will define the new energy and gas landscape which would contribute towards enhancing world energy security and safety. Notwithstanding the recent global financial crisis and ensuing economic slowdown, these factors include the growing world’s population, enhanced urbanisation, increased focus on climate change mitigation and the wider access to gas market through LNG business, all of which will contribute to the continued growth of the gas industry. . In addition, the gas industry has also achieved a high safety and environmental record in the development, production and transportation of natural gas.

Datuk Rahim also referred to the recent US developments within the shalegas as a trigger for a more dynamic gas market. “The recent technological innovation and breakthrough in the development, production and commercialisation of unconventional gas in USA has created new dynamics in the global gas and energy landscape. The increase in the production of shale gas, coal bed methane (CBM) and gas in tight formation in USA has reduced significantly the window of opportunity for LNG imports from Middle East, Africa and Russia.  LNG supplies that were initially planned to be exported to USA will have to be redirected to Europe and Asia.”, he said.

The President called on world leaders to create a peaceful and harmonious environment that would promote further investments while emphasising the need for less volatile and energy and gas prices.

In this regard, the IGU is actively supporting improved dialogues at the ministerial and CEO level through cooperation with various international organisations such as the International Energy Forum. The 2nd IEF – IGU Ministerial Gas Forum will be held in Doha, Qatar, on 30 November 2010.

Please see the following link for the whole presentation held by the IGU President on 21 May 2010 in Berlin.