World Gas Conference 2025 to Make Its Debut in Beijing This May

The 29th World Gas Conference (WGC2025) will take place in Beijing from May 19 to 23, marking the first time this prestigious event has been held in China since its inception in 1931. The announcement was made during a press conference on April 18 in Beijing, where officials from the Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission, the International Gas Union, the WGC2025 National Organizing Committee, and the Beijing International Exhibition Group shared insights about the conference’s highlights, preparations, and operational support.

The theme of WGC2025 is <b>"Empowering a Sustainable Future"</b>, organized by the International Gas Union and hosted by the Beijing Gas Group, with exclusive operations managed by the Beijing International Exhibition Group. Lai Xianyu, a member of the Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission, emphasized that selecting Beijing for the conference demonstrates the international community's high recognition of China's energy transition efforts and reinforces Beijing’s global influence as a center for international exchange and technological innovation.

Beijing, recognized as China's largest natural gas consumer, is committed to establishing itself as a new hub for global energy cooperation, adhering to the highest standards of excellence. Lai Xianyu highlighted that the conference will present a comprehensive overview of China's energy transition blueprint and showcase the achievements of Beijing's initiatives. It aims to expand the network of global energy collaboration, create platforms for domestic and international industry exchanges, enhance cooperation among participating organizations and enterprises, and promote digital technology innovation and green development. This will help create new engines for energy transition, innovate consumption scenarios, products, and services, and strengthen public support and participation in energy transition efforts.

Li Yalan, President of the International Gas Union, noted that natural gas is the world’s third-largest energy source, with annual consumption exceeding 41 trillion cubic meters, accounting for 24% of the global energy mix. As a resource-rich, low-carbon, and clean energy source, natural gas plays a significant role in ensuring energy security and facilitating energy transition. She expressed optimism that the World Gas Conference in China could become a milestone for the global gas industry.

Li Yalan also shared that preparations for the WGC2025 are progressing smoothly, with strong participation from the global and Chinese energy sectors. Members of the International Gas Union eagerly anticipate this industry event in Beijing, with overall progress exceeding expectations. The conference is viewed as a vital opportunity for promoting global gas and energy sector exchanges and international cooperation, showcasing China’s energy industry achievements, enhancing national energy security, diversifying gas resource imports, and further improving energy security levels. It also represents a significant chance for Beijing to advance its role as an international exchange center and promote the development of the exhibition industry.

Cao Yujun, Chairman of the WGC2025 National Organizing Committee, stated that this World Gas Conference will serve as a platform for Chinese gas companies to showcase their achievements over the years and build bridges of friendship between China's and the global energy sectors. The conference will feature a technical exhibition and nearly 80 forums addressing critical topics such as the global energy landscape, energy transition, regional gas development, energy and finance, global liquefied natural gas (LNG) outlook, and digitalization and technological innovation. It is expected to attract over 3,000 representatives from more than 70 countries and regions, along with over 30,000 professional attendees viewing the exhibitions.

The technical exhibition will host over 200 well-known global companies, showcasing innovations in 12 key areas, including energy technology, digitalization, storage and transportation, and new energy applications, covering the entire gas value chain and related industries. The conference aims to create more opportunities for international exposure, exchange, and cooperation for Chinese companies, particularly in manufacturing.

The operational services for this conference are also noteworthy. Zheng Zhonglian, Vice Secretary and General Manager of the Beijing International Exhibition Group, provided details on the preparations focused on six aspects: internationalization, greening, and technological advancement. Both exhibitors and speakers have an international representation of over 50%. The conference environment, forum decorations, and booth constructions will utilize recyclable materials, and advanced technologies like service robots will enhance the attendee experience. Additionally, the conference will feature a variety of cultural and sports activities, including traditional Chinese cultural showcases, Hanfu and Tang suit displays, paper cutting, calligraphy, and table tennis, highlighting the unique social and cultural attributes of the event.

The International Gas Union, established in 1931, is the world’s largest international gas industry organization, encompassing the entire gas industry chain and representing over 90% of the global natural gas market. It comprises members from 150 organizations across 80 countries, including major gas producers, consumers, importers, exporters, and significant multinational oil and gas companies. The World Gas Conference is held every three years, attracting heads of state, energy leaders, and industry experts, and is regarded as the "Olympic" event of the global gas industry.