Innovation, clean energy, digital technologies and building a sustainable energy future were among the topics discussed at the 16th edition of the International Gas Union Research Conference (IGRC 2020) held in Muscat

The 16th edition of the International Gas Union Research Conference (IGRC 2020) held in Muscat recently made a strong pitch for natural gas as a comparatively clean fuel resource amid challenges potentially endangering the growth of the industry globally.

Hosted under the patronage of the Ministry of Oil and Gas in collaboration with Oman LNG, the three day conference was held for the first time in the Middle East. The opening of the conference was held under the patronage of HE Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Rumhy, Minister of Oil and Gas.

Addressing the gathering, Rumhy said oil and gas will continue to play a role in Oman’s economy with natural gas, the cleanest-burning hydrocarbon, vital to building a sustainable energy future. Gas is critical to Oman’s economy and LNG is here to stay. The gas industry, which is impacted due to price and other issues will survive the current challenges, he added.

Rumhy further expressed solidarity with countries grappling with coronavirus epidemic especially China, South Korea and Iran. The Sultanate is ready to render any help required as energy suppliers, he said.

Eng. Harib Al Kitani, CEO of Oman LNG, Prof Joe M. Kang, President of IGU, and Shaikh Khalid Al Massan, CEO of Oman LNG Development Foundation and Chairman of the National Organising Committee spoke at the opening ceremony.

Prof. Kang said, “Innovation, Research and development are fundamental to the future of the natural gas industry and it is particularly exciting to bring IGRC to this region for the first time.”

The conference attracted a host of international and local guests, while the exhibition focused on gas innovations for a sustainable future. IGRC is a triennial event organised by IGU which highlights the research, development and innovation aspects of the ever-growing gas and energy industry. Additionally, the event leverages the Sultanate’s strategic location and enhances the country’s profile as a preferred destination for doing business. Innovation, technology, a cleaner world, digital technologies and building a sustainable energy future formed the focus of deliberations at the conference.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Eng. Harib Al Kitani, CEO, Oman LNG said, “IGRC 2020 is a unique platform where global, local, and national expertise exchange knowledge and share ideas on the latest studies and findings within the flourishing gas industry.” “As Oman LNG, we are proud to have been given the opportunity by the IGU as well as the government to host the IGRC 2020.”

Participating in a session on technology addressing global energy challenges across the gas value chain,  HE Salim Al-Aufi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil and Gas, highlighted the role of technologies in addressing the challenges of the energy sector.

IGRC 2020 comprised a total of 36 conference sessions. It focused on gas pipeline and distribution, gas supply, cross-cutting, different types of gas utilisation, and environment and sustainability. Face-to-face sessions and workshops also took place on the themes of innovation, technology, advancements in the industry, a cleaner world, digital transformation, digital technologies, planning and management.

Oman LNG, as the longest existing IGU member in Oman, has invested significant efforts to bring prestigious gas events to Oman, in order to showcase the multitude of wonders this country has in abundance – from its strategic geographic location and well-developed venues to the beautiful natural splendour.

The LNG industry is a significant contributor to a steadily increasing quality of life for citizens and residents in the Sultanate through its execution of a wide swath of social investment programs through the Oman LNG Development Foundation that addresses many economic and social needs. The export of Oman’s first cargo was in 2000 and since then, proceeds from the blossoming trade have supported, what some observers have described as an ambitious diversification program that has spurred growth in other important sectors of the economy, including tourism, agriculture and the spread of vital infrastructure that supports business and daily life.

At the opening ceremony, Khalid bin Abdullah Al Massan, CEO, Oman LNG Development Foundation and Chairman of the National Organising Committee said, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity bestowed upon us to host IGRC 2020. We worked intensively and closely to tune together with all our partners to make this conference a successful, and an extremely fruitful and beneficial for all our delegates, as well as attendees.”

“A special appreciation to the SME’s who worked closely with us, as well as our sponsors and partners who ensured we were all working towards a common goal; to contribute to the development of this industry.” The conference also discussed modern gas research and technology and ways to overcome the challenges facing gas extraction and processing operations.