‘IGC’s Been Vocal In The Carbon Emission Reduction Campaign’

Jean-Marc Leroy, Chair of the Carbon Neutrality Task Force, International Gas Conference, speaks about carbon emission reduction and associated issues in this interview

Given the volatility of global energy markets, changing demand, and the urgent call for a faster energy transition, what is your perspective on the role of gas (natural gas, renewable gases, etc.) during this critical period?

During this triennium, the global gas industry has firmly committed itself to ensuring an energy transition towards net-zero that is secure and affordable.

It has equipped itself with the tools and methods necessary to control methane leaks throughout the entire gas value chain.

The industry has also continued to replace coal with natural gas in numerous countries, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of energy solutions.

Furthermore, it has developed and launched the implementation of new sources of gas production with neutral or low CO2 emissions at a significant scale in certain regions. These include agricultural methanisation, pyro-gasification, hydrothermal gasification, methanation, green or low-carbon hydrogen.

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These solutions will gradually replace fossil methane. Together with Carbon Capture, Sequestration and Use (CCSU) and improved energy efficiency across all sectors, they will ensure the carbon neutrality of our industry in the future.

Moreover, these efforts will take place within a context of increased electrification of uses—up to 50% of the energy mix—forming a harmonious alliance between electrons and molecules to guarantee the resilience of the transition and optimise its costs.

As the global voice of Gas, what role do you see the IGU taking in the ongoing pursuit of innovation and increased sustainability for gas?

The IGU plays a central role in fostering innovation and ensuring the sustainability of gas solutions.

It can further strengthen its role in the circulation of innovative ideas and best industrial practices. It must also be capable of measuring the effectiveness of the solutions implemented and their impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The IGU’s Triennial Work Programme 2022-2025 was an ambitious undertaking aimed at enhancing the profile of the IGU across the global gas markets and maximising the benefits of natural gas. Could you share three key successes or outcome in this triennium leading the Committee or Task Force?

It is difficult for me to summarise the course of this triennium in three key points.

However, I would mention the success of the International Gas Research Conference in Banff in 2024, the new momentum instilled by the President and the Vice-President to increase our presence in international forums, and, of course, the publication of the Introduction to Low Carbon Gas Technologies, which is the result of collaborative work from various committees and the Carbon Neutrality Task Force that I had the honor of chairing.

What do you think is the success of the Chinese Presidency in the triennium and what’s your expectation to the incoming Italian Presidency?

I believe the greatest success of the Chinese presidency has been in strengthening the IGU as a community of ideas and actions. For instance, we had the opportunity to structure a dialogue with key experts on the needed recognition of the low carbon gases via market-based instruments under the GHP Protocol.

I hope that the future Italian presidency will build on these achievements and further enhance the impact of our association with various stakeholders, particularly by fostering greater proactivity and increased agility.

With the theme “Energising a Sustainable Future,” how significant is WGC2025 for the IGU and the global gas market? What key trends from the abstracts excite you about the programme, and what makes this year’s event particularly valuable for attendees?

The WGC2025 will be the highlight of this triennium. It should not only demonstrate the vitality of our association but also its ability to address the energy challenges of the contemporary world through dialogue and innovation.

I am confident that participants in WGC2025 will discover new ideas and solutions that will enrich the effectiveness of their business and the relevance of their strategic choices.