IGU Diplomatic Symposium "Trends and Prospects of Gas Industry" organized by the International Gas Union (IGU) took place at the headquarters of DNV GL (Oslo) on December 16, 2014.

The events goal was to examine the World Energy Outlook in 2014, role of gas in the changing energy landscape, the issue of gas reserves of Norway, dynamics of LNG and gas as a foundation fuel in the future energy mix. Powerful presentations were delivered by H.Madsen (President and CEO of DNV GL), C.Jacazio (Senior Gas Expert, IEA), E.Torstad (CEO, DNV GL Oil and Gas), T.Indrebo (Honorary Secretary General of IGU), V.Christensen (Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Oil and Energy of Norway), M.Layfield (DNV GL global gas segment director) and P.Rasmussen (Secretary General of the IGU).

Speakers drew attention of the participants to the challenges faced by the gas production as demand for gas in the future is not as secure as before. There is a need to convince the public that gas is the cleanest source of energy among fossil fuels. Participants pointed out the role of a state: it can use its competence in the areas of taxation, price control, creation of predictable business environment, establishing of cooperation at regional and federal levels as well as by long-term investments in infrastructure.