Gastech 2024 concludes with record attendance

Themed ‘Transforming Energy Through Vision, Innovation, and Action’, Gastech 2024 provided a stage for key decision-makers across the energy spectrum to collaborate, share insights, and chart a path forward in the energy transition. From natural gas and LNG to emerging solutions in hydrogen and climate technologies, the event fostered critical conversations on decarbonisation, energy security, and technological advancement.

Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, remarked: “Gastech 2024 underscored how critical collaboration is to the entire global energy system. By bringing together leaders from different backgrounds, geographies and sectors, we’ve reinforced the importance of cooperation in driving a successful energy transition. The solutions we seek require partnerships that transcend borders, industries, and technologies, and this year’s event has truly embodied that spirit.”

The conference launched with the Gastech Gala Dinner, which featured an engaging dialogue on global geopolitics and Texas' position as a leading energy hub. The gala’s esteemed speakers included George W. Bush, 43^rd President of the United States of America, Robert M. Gates, 22^nd Secretary of Defense of the United States of America, and IEF Secretary General, Joe McMonigle, who’s presence underscored the event's significance as a host for high-level dialogue and collaboration on the world's most pressing energy challenges.

Key energy stakeholders and industry leaders continued to share their insights across Gastech’s four distinct conferences, with CEOs and top executives from Chevron Corp., Woodside Energy, Cheniere Energy, ConocoPhillips, Baker Hughes, JERA, TotalEnergies, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Shell, Sempra, Technip Energies, and bp united in their commitment to drive tangible change throughout the entire energy system. Over 160 expert-led sessions, the events’ speakers emphasised the need to leverage existing resources, scale emerging technologies, and facilitate cross-sector collaboration to create a just and inclusive energy transition.

With over 800 exhibitors in attendance, Gastech 2024 also served as America’s largest showcase for cutting-edge energy products and services, capturing the latest innovations in low-carbon technology. More than 20 national pavilions were present on the exhibition floor, enabling countries to showcase their unique contributions to the evolving global energy ecosystem. This open and inclusive platform helped grow the natural gas and LNG sector, forge transformative partnerships, and accelerate the next generation of energy projects that can deliver real decarbonisation progress.

The final day of the event looked ahead to the future of the energy industry, championing the innovative ideas and visionary leaders that will define the world’s energy future. The day commenced with the Future Leaders Graduation Ceremony, which celebrated recent graduates and young energy entrepreneurs who are set to lead the global energy revolution.

Kenneth B. Medlock III, Senior Director at Rice University’s Baker Institute, stated: “Ensure you don’t fall into the trap of being single minded. When you look at the leaders that have spoken at this year’s event, I can guarantee they are not surrounded by people who are just like them. They are surrounded by people who are different to them, and that inherently makes them stronger. By being open to different points of view, you will be able to see where the real challenges are, and where innovation can truly make a difference.”

Discussions on talent development and human capital continued throughout the day, with the session ‘talent for the transitions: building the workforce needed to deliver the challenge of the century,’ focusing on creating opportunities for young talent to lead the transformation of the energy landscape.

Jesse Stanley, President Operations Americas at Wood, emphasised that fostering a skilled workforce is crucial for achieving a successful energy transition: “When considering the future of the energy industry, we will need to be flexible in our energy alternatives and sources to achieve the energy transition. Therefore, if you embrace flexibility within the future energy industry, you must also apply it to talent management.”

The event concluded with the ‘Gastech 24 wrap up’, where members of the Gastech Governing Body – each established experts in their respective fields – reflected on the impact of the conference on the wider energy ecosystem. Anne-Sophie Corbeau, Global Research Scholar, Columbia Center for Global Energy Policy, commented: “One thing I have noticed this week is that there is a very positive mood in this industry. Everyone is talking about growth, which I think is a great word that speaks to this year’s Gastech.”

Held in Houston, the energy capital of the world, Gastech 2024 also contributed significantly to the local economy, generating over US$27 million. With its large international participation, the event further solidified Houston's status as the global energy hub.

As Gastech continues its legacy of fostering collaboration and driving innovation, the event has once again demonstrated its unparalleled role in shaping the future of the interconnected global energy system. Next year, Gastech 2025 will take place in Milan from 9 – 12 September, continuing the critical conversations and partnerships that define its global leadership in the energy transition.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/product-news/23092024/gastech-2024-concludes-with-record-attendance/