Natural Gas Crucial In Steering World Towards Low Carbon Economy

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- The role of natural gas as an enabler in steering the world towards a low carbon economy is undeniable in the future, the President of the International Gas Union (IGU) Abdul Rahim Hashim, said. He said that natural gas stands out as the fuel of choice as rising energy requirements amid growing concerns over issues related to climate change and global emissions clearly favours the use of clean sources of energy. To this end, he said the Malaysian Presidency of IGU was fully committed to promoting and enhancing the premium of natural gas as a source of clean, efficient and value-added energy to sustain future global growth. It is projected that the world will consume 30-40 per cent more energy by 2030. Although significant efforts towards promoting renewable energy are being made, fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal, would continue to be the backbone of the world energy mix for decades to come, supplementing 70-80 per cent of total global needs. Malaysia would host 5,000 gas industry professionals to the 25th World Gas Conference & Exhibition (WGC2012), regarded as the "Olympics" of the gas industry, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from June 4-8, he said in a preliminary programme booklet on WGC2012. Themed "Gas: Sustaining Future Global Growth," it would explore current issues and future trends within the gas industry at large, including concerns over energy security, economic growth and climate change. Organised by IGU and hosted by the Malaysian Gas Association (MGA) and Petronas, it is only the second time in its 80-year history that the world gas conference & exhibition is being held in Asia, a region fast emerging as the global centre for gas due to its robust economic growth and urbanistion. Renowned speakers at WGC2012 include Peter Voser, the chief executive officer of Royal Dutch Shell, Rex W. Tillerson, chairmand and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation, Karen Agustiawan, President Director and CEO of PT Pertamina and Christopher de Margerie, chairman and CEO of TOTAL. -- BERNAMA