For nearly a century, the International Gas Union (IGU) has stood at the intersection of technical excellence, policy dialogue, and global energy strategy. Founded in 1931 as a knowledge-sharing body focused on engineering safety and operational standards, the IGU has since transformed into the recognized global voice of the Gas industry, representing over 70 countries and shaping the future of energy through collaboration, insight, and influence.

Today, the IGU plays a pivotal role in framing the global discourse around Gas in all its forms. Its scope now extends far beyond technical exchange: the Union actively engages with regulatory bodies like the IEA and the European Commission, serving as a trusted advisory bridge between industry and policymakers.

As the energy transition accelerates, the IGU is at the forefront of debates on decarbonisation, methane abatement, and the scale-up of low-carbon Gas solutions. It champions transparency, innovation, and inclusive growth, especially in developing economies where access to affordable financing remains a critical challenge.

Andrea Stegher, President of the IGU, sat down with EOG to outline the Union’s strategic priorities. He detailed how the IGU advises policymakers, supports industry best practice, and will work with Egypt’s incoming leadership to deepen Africa’s role in the global gas dialogue.

The International Gas Union (IGU) is nearly a century old. How has its role evolved over the decades in shaping the global Gas industry?

Established in 1931, the IGU began primarily as a technical knowledge-sharing body, focused on engineering safety, operating standards, and practical collaboration. Over time, it has grown into the recognised global voice of the Gas industry, representing members from more than 60 countries. Its role has broadened from technical exchange to policy influence, preparing authoritative and industry-renowned reports (e.g. World LNG Report, Wholesale Gas Price Survey, Global Gas Report and Regional reports), and presenting industry flagship events such as the World Gas Conference, LNG and IGRC series. Today, the IGU not only supports the technical progress of the global Gas industry but, also, it frames debates on decarbonisation, energy security, methane abatement, and zero-low carbon Gas scaleup, underpinning Gas’ position as both a foundation of energy systems worldwide.

Although the IGU does not set formal rules, how does it collaborate with regulatory bodies such as the IEA and the European Commission to shape discourse around natural Gas?

While non-governmental, the IGU is highly influential. We engage with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and other international and regional regulatory and policy bodies regularly, In essence, we act as an advisory bridge, providing industry expertise while maintaining dialogue with policymakers, thereby fostering pragmatic and evidence-based regulatory outcomes.

Could you share details on the IGU’s latest initiatives, events, or causes it has actively supported?

The IGU’s most recent publications include:

World LNG Report 2025 – the 16th edition, detailing evolving LNG market trade developments, including global trade flows, and demand growth.

Wholesale Gas Price Survey 2025 – our longest running survey, highlighting the continued market developments, including the rise of Gas-on-Gas competition over other pricing models.

We have (co-)organised a variety of public and private events with the Atlantic Council, Energy Council, the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, the International Energy Forum and many more. Everything that we do can be read about on our News page, or social media.

As Egypt assumes the Vice Presidency (2025–2028) and Presidency (2028–2031), what strategic priorities should it focus on?

We are delighted to have our Union’s first African Vice President and, soon, President. Eng. Cav. Abu Bakr’s election is a testament to our Union’s inclusivity, internationalisation of membership reaches and influence and, specifically, to Africa’s growing relevance and role in the global energy space, both from a producer’s perspective and, also, from that of a developing continent.

The Egyptian Presidency has recently presented the Egyptian media with its election manifesto and platform, and its priorities are well laid out, demonstrating its deep commitment and understanding of the role of Gas in the global energy mix.

As the IGU President for the 2025-2028 triennium, I am also personally very happy about the productive and open collaboration we are already having with the Egyptian team to work on shared and long-term goals to further strengthen the IGU as the “home of Gas” for all of the industry and interested stakeholders.

What are the most recent global developments in the energy transition—clean investment, renewable growth, CO₂ emissions, and financing in developing countries?

We have important changes on many levels:

Clean Energy Investment: Over USD 2.2 trillion in 2025, almost twice fossil fuel-related investments, with solar PV and wind dominating.

Renewable Capacity Growth: Approximately 700 GW added in 2024, marking record expansion.

CO₂ Emissions: They rose by <1% year-on-year, reflecting progress in decoupling growth from emissions, though absolute levels remain high.

Developing Economies: The major challenge remains access to affordable financing. High cost of capital, limited grid infrastructure, and uneven international finance flows hinder progress across Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America.

How have recent geopolitical disruptions affected the global Gas sector and trade?

The Russia–Ukraine conflict has forced Europe to reduce dependency on Russian pipeline imports, boosting LNG imports and accelerating alternative infrastructure. Middle East unrest and tension in the Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal have raised shipping costs, insurance risks, and diversion strategies. Rising tensions involving Israel and Iran highlight the vulnerability of regional energy chokepoints. In response, the industry is embracing diversification, greater storage, floating regasification units (FSRUs), and more flexible supply contracts, thereby reducing systemic fragility.

For this, it will be essential to continue investing in the sector – from production to infrastructure and innovation – to improve resilience and flexibility of affordable Gas availability in the framework of a more environmentally friendly energy footprint.

How should international bodies respond to the use of Gas supplies as political leverage (e.g. Qatar’s export threat in light of EU due diligence law)?

IGU does not comment on political matters, nor does it advise a certain political response over another.

We stress the need to continue working together to make energy fully available to global markets, considering the growing needs due to population growth and living standards improvements.

If you had to encapsulate the Gas industry’s greatest challenge in one word, what would it be—and why?

‘Credibility.’ The global Gas industry must continue to prove that it can provide secure, affordable, and flexible energy while delivering tangible reductions in emissions—particularly methane. Enhancing transparency, demonstrating decarbonisation progress and enabling carbon-neutral technologies are crucial for gaining public trust and upholding Gas’ legitimate role in improving the quality of life of citizens around the world.