LNG2019: Global leaders discuss sustainable energy future in Shanghai

4/2/2019

SHANGHAI—LNG2019, the 19th International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas, kicked off Tuesday, April 2 in Shanghai, China. The conference, which is being held in China for the first time, maintains its role as the premier event for the industry, and provides delegates with a close look at the rapid development of China’s LNG market within the global value chain.

This week, LNG2019 will provide unparalleled access to hear from China’s LNG thought leaders: CNOOC, CNPC, Sinopec, Shenergy Group, Beijing Gas, Shanghai Petroleum Gas Exchange (SHPGX), ENN Group, The Hong Kong & China Gas Co. Ltd. (Towngas), Shenzhen Gas, Zhejiang Energy, Shanghai LNG Co., China LNG Shipping and more will share their insights throughout the four-day event.

For the industry, by the industry

At the first International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG 1) in 1968, a delegate noted that LNG was "the fuel with a great future." Fifty-one years later, the hosts of the event—the International Gas Union (IGU), the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) and the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR)—continue to deliver the global standard event that sets the discussion framework for the future of the industry.

Commerce, advocacy and technology are the three focal points for LNG2019, reflecting the industry's development path and the demands of its future.

This week, more than 11,000 attendees from more than 80 countries, representing 550 corporations, will meet under the theme "LNG for a sustainable energy future." The conference is expected to be an innovative, strategic and technical event that reflects the growing prominence and resilience of LNG as a sustainable choice in the global energy mix.

The event creates discussion and delivers new information across all areas of the LNG value chain, with an emphasis on strategic, commercial and technical content, through CEO and President-led plenary sessions, executive panel sessions, forums and expert presentations. The Research & Innovation Showcase continues the strong and unique tradition of presenting detailed advances to the current generation of LNG experts.

The exhibition showcases the major producers, leading EPCs and specialty product and service providers across a broad spectrum of industry sectors.

Opening welcome

Dr. Nirmal Chatterjea, Chairman of the LNG2019 Program Committee, welcomed the attendees during Tuesday morning’s opening ceremonies, which featured dancing dragons, traditional drums and whirling Chinese acrobatics. He detailed the goals behind the various facets of the event (seven plenary sessions; spotlight sessions; panels featuring world-renowned experts, industry leaders and government officials; LNG forums; paper sessions; and the research and innovation showcase), as well as opportunities to explore "topics that are much better discussed in an informal exchange of ideas."

"We know you are here to see old friends and to make new friends but, most importantly, you are here to teach and to learn. An ancient saying tells us to ‘teach with humility, and learn with an open mind,’" he said.

"You will develop a better understanding of the vibrant economy that is China, particularly the vibrant business here and its place in the global energy mix. I also encourage you to take advantage of the graciousness and hospitality of the city of Shanghai. Above all, enjoy the people of this country and have fun."

"The conference is in place, and we are ready," he told the capacity crowd. "The question now is: What are you going to do?"

LNG2019 is taking place in Shanghai, China from April 1–5.