Beijing to Drive Innovation in International Energy Cooperation at WGC2025

Beijing is set to promote the implementation of more innovative resources in the field of international energy cooperation. On April 18, at the press conference for the 29th World Gas Conference (WGC2025), a member of the Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Li Xianyu, stated that Beijing will leverage this conference to innovate a model that integrates production and exhibition. This will involve precise connections with international organizations, multinational enterprises, and top-tier talent, facilitating multifaceted, multi-level, and highly interactive international energy cooperation. The goal is to attract more innovative resources to Beijing and provide a ‘Beijing model’ for deep integration within the global energy industry chain.

The WGC2025 will take place from May 19 to 23 at the Beijing National Convention Center Phase II, marking the first time this prestigious event is being held in China. The conference is organized by the International Gas Union (IGU), which was established in 1931 and represents over 90% of the global natural gas market across the entire industry chain.

Li Xianyu emphasized that the World Gas Conference is often referred to as the ‘Olympics of the energy sector.’ Its inaugural session in China, particularly in Beijing, underscores the international community’s high recognition of China’s energy transformation practices and highlights Beijing’s global influence as a center for international communication and technological innovation.

This year’s conference is themed ‘Empowering a Sustainable Future’ and aims to establish an important cooperation platform for ‘technology sharing, industry integration, and collaborative development.’ It will serve as a significant stage for practicing the ‘Global Development Initiative’ and deepening cooperation in global energy governance, showcasing the practical aspects of China’s modernization and promoting high-level openness.

Beijing, being China’s largest natural gas consumption city and the second-largest globally, recognizes the critical role of natural gas in its development. Currently, the city is committed to creating a new highland for global energy cooperation, adhering to the ‘best standards.’ The conference will present a comprehensive view of China’s energy transition blueprint, demonstrating the effectiveness of Beijing’s practices and expanding the global energy cooperation network. It aims to lead the way in establishing a new paradigm for international collaboration and global governance in energy transformation.

The conference will also create platforms for domestic and international industry exchanges, promoting collaboration among participating organizations and enterprises, and enhancing the level of international cooperation. It will emphasize digital technological innovation and green development, contributing to the creation of a new engine for energy transition. Additionally, it will innovate consumption scenarios, products, and services to enhance the ability of clean and low-carbon energy to serve the public and encourage societal support and participation in energy transition.

Li Xianyu further noted that with the guidance and support of national ministries, Beijing has established a conference organization mechanism that includes a leadership group and specialized working groups to ensure high-level preparation for the event. Key strategies include:

• Deepening Global Energy Governance Cooperation: Aligning with the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the conference will feature carefully designed topics that reflect China’s commitment to clean energy transformation while advocating for a fair and inclusive international energy governance system. The IGU and other organizations will release the ‘Beijing Declaration on Low-Carbon Development in the Global Gas Industry’ to contribute to the global green energy transition.
• Stimulating Industrial Transformation through Technological Innovation: Leveraging Beijing’s resources as an international science and technology innovation center, the conference will showcase the latest technological achievements from both domestic and international sources, attracting leading international companies and teams to participate, thus creating a platform for deep integration of industry, academia, research, and application.
• Facilitating Connectivity through Open Platforms: Innovating the model of ‘integrating production through conferences and promoting chains through exhibitions,’ the conference will establish precise connections with international organizations, multinational corporations, and top talents to drive multi-dimensional and cross-sectoral international energy cooperation, attracting innovative resources to Beijing.
• Highlighting Cultural Integration: The conference will organize cultural activities such as ‘city tours’ and ‘technical visits,’ narrating Beijing’s transformation story from a ‘Double Olympic City’ to a ‘Double Carbon Pioneer.’ It will prioritize a frugal yet effective approach to hosting, ensuring that participants experience the warmth and efficiency of ‘Beijing service’ through meticulous attention to detail, from venue facilities to transportation and guest services.