WGC2022 Special Report | The 28th World Gas Conference Held in Daegu, South Korea
Release date:
2022-06-03
The 28th World Gas Conference, hosted by the International Gas Union (IGU), took place from May 23 to 27, 2022, at the Daegu Exhibition & Convention Center in South Korea. The event drew representatives from over 300 companies across more than 90 countries, including prominent energy firms such as ExxonMobil from the U.S., BP from the UK, Uniper from Germany, and Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) from South Korea.
Taking over as IGU President marks the organization’s official entry into "China Time," signaling China’s full leadership within IGU—a historic milestone, both unprecedented in the organization’s 91-year history and a defining moment for China’s gas industry. Chinese gas professionals have consistently showcased remarkable resilience, seizing every opportunity to rise—from catching up to taking the lead—steadfastly crafting new chapters in industry development and paving the way for an innovative future. We are confident that Li Yalan will guide IGU over the next three years, driving fresh contributions toward "strengthening the gas sector," propelling IGU’s growth to "new heights," and accelerating the internationalization of China’s gas industry—especially now that China has assumed the role of IGU President. Let’s all look forward to the resounding success of WGC2025, which is set to take place in Beijing in 2025! 
The World Gas Conference, organized every three years by the International Gas Union (IGU), draws in national leaders, energy industry giants, and leading experts, earning its reputation as the "Olympic" event of the global gas industry. This year’s conference theme is "A Sustainable Future Powered by Natural Gas." Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and specialized sessions, the event provides a platform for globally recognized energy companies to share their visions for future growth and corporate strategies. Meanwhile, an expert committee will also gather to present the latest industry research findings. 
On the 24th, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech. Yoon emphasized that energy issues have become a critical driver of global economic growth, noting that sustainable development and future progress increasingly depend on effective energy policies. He added that South Korea is committed to taking responsibility and playing an active role in the international community's efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality.
Yoon underscored that a stable energy supply remains a powerful engine for a nation's economic advancement. To reduce carbon emissions, his government plans to ramp up investments in research and development of cutting-edge technologies, while simultaneously expanding the deployment of hydrogen production facilities both domestically and internationally. This move aims to establish a robust hydrogen energy supply chain, paving the way for significant emissions reductions and fostering innovation as South Korea transitions to a hydrogen-based economy. 
On the afternoon of May 27, the closing day of the conference, the presidential handover ceremony brought WGC2022 to a thrilling climax as Li Yalan, Chairman of Beijing Gas Group, officially assumed her role as IGU2022-2025 President. As per tradition, each conference includes an official launch event for the next edition. In 2017, Li Yalan was elected Chairperson of the International Gas Union for the 2021-2024 term—though due to the pandemic, her tenure was extended to 2022-2025. Following her election, the newly appointed president is tasked with hosting the World Gas Conference in her country; accordingly, Beijing will host the 29th World Gas Conference. 
In her inaugural speech, Li Yalan expressed gratitude for the global gas industry's trust and support. She emphasized that the global gas sector must remain steadfast in its confidence, striving to make greater contributions toward tackling climate change, safeguarding energy security, and fostering sustainable development.
Li highlighted that China’s presidency will be guided by the theme of "Upholding the Strengths of the Gas Industry," focusing on three key pillars: the industry itself, organizational efforts, and individual members. Leveraging the IGU as a platform and catalyst, she pledged to strengthen international collaboration, build consensus, promote solidarity, and drive shared growth, ultimately elevating the IGU’s initiatives to "new heights." 
Following this, a promotional video produced by the Chinese team was shown on-site, highlighting Beijing’s blend of ancient charm and modern vibrancy. The clip showcased the city’s allure as a "Dual-Olympic" metropolis, highlighted China’s achievements in advancing the gas industry, and underscored its significant contributions to the IGU. It also conveyed Beijing’s enthusiastic anticipation for hosting the WGC.
Next, a video message from Zhang Jianhua, Director-General of China’s National Energy Administration, was played. In his address, Director Zhang congratulated everyone on the successful organization of WGC2022 and warmly welcomed Li Yalan upon her appointment as the new IGU President. On behalf of China’s energy sector, he extended an invitation to friends from around the world to join the Beijing WGC2025 conference.
Finally, members of the Chinese teams—including representatives from Beijing Gas, Furan Energy, and Shuifa Hangyuxing—led by Ms. Li Yalan, took to the stage for the official handover ceremony, warmly welcoming international guests to attend the Beijing WGC2025 event. 
Taking over as IGU President marks IGU’s official entry into "China Time," signaling China’s full leadership within the organization—a first in IGU’s 91-year history, and also a historic milestone for China’s gas industry. Chinese gas professionals have consistently demonstrated resilience, seizing every opportunity to rise from追赶 (catching up) to引领 (leading), tirelessly writing new chapters in industry development and ushering in a new era of innovation. We are confident that Li Yalan will guide IGU over the next three years to make fresh contributions toward "promoting the strengths of the gas sector," driving IGU’s growth to "new heights" and accelerating the internationalization of China’s gas industry—especially as China assumes the role of IGU President. Let’s all look forward to the resounding success of WGC2025, set to be held in Beijing in 2025!
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