Gas Competence Seminar
Natural Gas – driving Social and Economic Development
East and Southern African Perspective
On 22-23 September 2015, the International Gas Union (IGU), in collaboration with The World Bank Group, and supported by SE4ALL, organized a regional Gas Competence Seminar in the city of Maputo, Mozambique. The seminar was also supported by the Government of Mozambique.
The gathering provided an opportunity for high-level government representatives and industry leaders to share knowledge, raise awareness and discuss strategic options that natural gas offers for sustainable access to energy and social and economic development. This by-invitation-only event attracted more than 100 delegates. Speakers included experts from the energy industry; both local and global companies; governmental officers; international organizations including SE4ALL, UNESCO and the African Development Bank; as well as other invited participants.
Many of the participants and speakers had long experience from other nations and regions that have gone through similar gas industry developments. The presentations and discussions pointed to the tremendous opportunities, but also challenges that exist in this geographical area. These are available through links provided at the bottom of this page.
The topics discussed at the seminar were the following:
- Regulatory and Institutional Framework
- Large Scale Industrial Development
- Gas and Power Development
- Project Financing & Structuring
- Gas Market Development
- Sustainable Energy & Social Development
- Long Term Competence Building –Next Steps
The discussions pointed to the tremendous opportunities but also challenges that exist, and can be summarized as follows:
Opportunities
- Gas for the production of electricity
- Industrial development with gas as a feedstock to local industries such as fertilizers
- Improvement in the environment of cities in the region
Challenges
- Growing concern over lack of competence as it relates to developing the gas industry
- Lack of training and educational institutions that focus on gas industry aspects
- Need to establish long-term business models for both competence and infrastructure development
The discussions also raised the concern that the speed at which frameworks, regulations, and business models are developing can have consequences for the region’s development outcome. While some think the implementation is going far too slow, others are warning that implementation is too rapid. It is, therefore, important to ensure that great care is taken and respect shown to the regional particularities.
The last concern that was raised is the global economic climate. Development of the gas industry will require massive investments, and in the current environment they will be challenging to finance. Recommendations were given to look for new unconventional funding models and possibilities of funding in smaller increments.
The IGU and The World Bank thank all the sponsors and speakers that made this seminar possible.
Pictures from the event can be found here.
Presentations and agenda:
WB-IGU Regional Gas Competence Seminar – Agenda final
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
DNV GL, Bert Kiewiet, Head of Section Gas System Management – “Gas Pricing and network access”
