IGU - International Gas Union

10/23/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/23/2025 02:22

The Role of Gas in Energy Innovation, Transition and Strategic Cooperation

The President of the International Gas Union (IGU), Mr Andrea Stegher, took part yesterday in the Opening Plenary Session of OGT2025 International Conference and Exhibition held in the capital city of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat.

In its 30th edition, OGT2025 sought to strengthen the dialogue on further sustainable development of the energy sector, review the latest trends in the global energy system, and expand opportunities for attracting foreign direct investment in the oil and gas industry of Turkmenistan.

As Turkmenistan is also the home of Galkynysh, the world's largest onshore natural gas field, with reserves estimated at 27.4 trillion cubic meters combined with the nearby Yashlar and Garakel deposits, it was apt that the President of the world's largest and oldest Gas membership organisation attended this landmark event in Central Asia's drive to open its doors to global industry players, investors and regulators.

From left to right: Mr Andrea Stegher, President of the International Gas Union (IGU) and Mr Maksat Babayev, State Minister of Turkmenistan - Chairman of State Concern 'Turkmengas'

Joined in the Opening Plenary Session by, among prominent global industry figures, the Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan and the Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan, the President of the IGU articulated the role of Gas, in all its forms, for energy innovation, energy transition and strategic regional co-operation. Mr Stegher said:

"The Gas industry is already playing an active, visible and essential role to foster human progress and global growth. As the global energy demand is constantly growing, we must promote effective and efficient investments in the sector, as well as increased energy security and energy affordability."

Mr Stegher also called for a closer co-operation between Turkmenistan and its Gas industry, and the IGU, noting the multiple pathways of potential interest for both the Turkmen natural gas industry and IGU's global Committees and Task Forces.

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