Eastern Mediterranean gas expansion presents new opportunities in 2014 and beyond
A. BLUME, Managing Editor
Eastern Mediterranean Gas Conference (EMGC) 2014 is the premier event for professionals working in, and seeking to be involved in, the significant offshore gas reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean. The second annual EMGC, scheduled to take place March 10–12, at the Hilton Tel Aviv in Tel Aviv, Israel, is devoted to the discussion of the commercial and technical aspects of producing, processing and distributing these gas reserves.
The conference is geared toward a global audience and generates international appeal. More than 220 executives, representing more than 140 companies across 26 countries, attended the inaugural EMGC, which took place from April 8–10, 2013, at the Hilton Cyprus in Nicosia, Cyprus. EMGC 2013 gave executives from operating, service and technology companies the chance to share insight into development opportunities for this exciting resource area.
The 2013 conference featured speakers from top companies operating in the region, including Noble Energy Inc., Hyperion Systems Engineering Group, Cyprus National Hydrocarbons Co., Total E&P Research and Technology USA LLC, and others.
For the 2014 conference, Gulf Publishing Company is pleased to welcome Charles Davidson, chairman and CEO of Noble Energy, to again present the keynote address at the EMGC gala dinner (Fig. 1).
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Fig. 1. Noble Energy CEO Charles Davidson addressed attendees at the EMGC 2013 gala dinner, and will deliver the gala keynote speech again this year. |
Over 40 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of recoverable natural gas reserves have been discovered in the Eastern Mediterranean, which could provide a stable source of gas via pipeline to European countries that are limited in their gas supply sources, or to customers further away, through the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
These large reserves have the potential to enhance regional economies and transform several nations into major gas exporters in the near future. Israel alone has allocated 40% of its gas resources for export, and is examining options for export infrastructures and markets. LNG production and transport are viable options for these reserves, and plans have been proposed for a liquefaction plant on the island of Cyprus.
With such sizeable volumes of resource expected to come online in the next few years, the natural gas supply landscape in Europe will undoubtedly change. In addition to Cyprus, Israel, Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey, the area poised to benefit most from natural gas production in the Eastern Mediterranean is the EU.
With 28 member countries representing an approximate population of 508 million, the EU stands to gain increased natural gas resource security through Eastern Mediterranean production. Pipelines and liquefaction terminals originating in the Eastern Mediterranean have the potential to serve many EU countries, while future export capabilities could serve buyers around the world, including those in Asia.
Conference program
EMGC 2014 will give special focus to the latest market and technology trends related to the exploration, drilling, production, processing, marketing and distribution of natural gas in the area. The conference will cover a range of critical issues: resource potential, leasing and permitting, development plans, infrastructure requirements, LNG and pipeline export options, government plans and regulations, and more.
EMGC will provide an exclusive opportunity for attendees to learn more about the companies and technologies behind the planning and development of the region’s natural gas industry. With approximately 40 Tcf of gross resources of natural gas located offshore, activity in the Eastern Mediterranean will only continue to increase over the next few years.
Agenda highlights include sessions dedicated to:
- The state of the Eastern Mediterranean
- Exploration programs in Israel and Cyprus
- Resource potential
- Israel’s export opportunities
- Legal issues, including project finance, petroleum taxation, regulations and antitrust
- Economic impact of the new energy resources on Israel and Cyprus
- Infrastructure requirements and developments
- Gas processing and transportation fuels
- The future of the Eastern Mediterranean, including the Leviathan and Tamar discoveries.
Speakers at EMGC 2014 include executives at some of the world’s most prominent oil and gas companies, as well as key government officials. Confirmed speakers include:
- Charles Davidson, Chairman and CEO, Noble Energy
- Lawson Freeman, Vice President of Eastern Mediterranean, Noble Energy
- Gideon Tadmor, CEO, Avner Oil Exploration
- Yossi Abu, CEO, Delek Drilling
- Yehuda Suban, Vice President of Economy and Regulation, Delek Drilling
- Yaniv Friedman, Vice President of Strategy, Avner Oil Exploration
- David Aron, Managing Director, Petroleum Development Consultants
- Ottavio Viglione, Branch Manager, Edison International SpA, Israel Branch
- Gina Cohen, Gas Consultant, Eastern Mediterranean.
Benefits of attendance
As activity continues in the Eastern Mediterranean, industry-leading companies are preparing to increase their regional presence and develop new infrastructure. At the second annual EMGC, executives from operators and service and technology companies active in the region will share insight into their experience with this important resource area.
Conference attendees will have an unmatched opportunity to learn the latest information on the stages of development of exploration, drilling, pipeline, gas processing and gas export projects in the region. At EMGC, attendees will hear what some oil and gas operators have planned for offshore Israel and Cyprus. They will also hear from industry experts about the projected global market impact of the region’s resources.
Additionally, attendees will have the option to register for a pre-conference tour, “Focus on Israeli Innovation.” Supported by the Israel Export Institute and the Israel NewTech program, the tour will include a trip to the Sorek desalination plant, the largest desalination plant in the world, where attendees will learn about the plant's capabilities for desalination and water treatment (Fig. 2). The tour also includes a visit to one of the world's leading security companies that will provide security services for oil and gas projects in the Eastern Mediterranean. The tour runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes a continental breakfast and a box lunch.
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Fig. 2. A pre-conference tour of IDE Technologies' Sorek desalination plant is a featured event for EMGC 2014. |
Companies involved in a wide range of activities will benefit from attending EMGC 2014, including oil and gas production, natural gas processing, refining, technology and equipment, construction consulting, investment banking, chemicals and petrochemicals, oil and gas services, research and venture/mutual funds.
Gulf Publishing Company encourages your organization to be a part of this exciting conference and explore the many opportunities the Eastern Mediterranean region holds.
For more information on conference registration and sponsorships, please contact Melissa Smith, Events Director, Gulf Publishing Company, at +1 (713) 520-4475, or Melissa.Smith@GulfPub.com.
For sponsorship or exhibit opportunities, please contact Lisa Zadok, Events Sales Manager, Gulf Publishing Company, at +1 (713) 525-4632, or Lisa.Zadok@GulfPub.com.
For registration assistance, please contact Gwen Hood, Events Manager, Gulf Publishing Company, at +1 (713) 520-4402, or Gwen.Hood@GulfPub.com.
Registration includes:
- Option to register for a pre-conference tour on March 10, “Focus on Israeli Innovation,” which includes tours of the Sorek desalination plant and a leading security firm for regional gas and oil operations (additional
- US $399 cost to attend tour)
- Two-day conference program (March 11–12) including keynote addresses, general presentations and panel discussions
- Breakfasts, lunches and refreshment breaks
- Opening-night formal gala dinner celebrating the second annual EMGC. GP
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Eastern Mediterranean Gas Conference March 10–12, 2014
www.EMGasConference.com |
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