GAS TALKS

The global gas industry has experienced over the last decade an extraordinary success. The shale gas revolution in the United States has reshaped the world energy outlook and the rapid expansion of LNG trade has redesigned the global natural gas dynamics. These two pressures are rapidly converging, paving the way for the globalization of the world’s natural gas markets. These historical changes also have a strong impact on the European gas industry, unveiling a number of new challenges and opportunities related to both its demand and supply sides. More generally, challenges refer also to finance (renovation of buildings), structural changes (urban planning, modal shift) and system changes (electrification). In Europe the current trend is to replace nuclear power by coal, contrary to the green goals. A generalized carbon tax is thought to be more effective and to deliver more visibility to investors that the ETS. Instead of a profound energy change, there is the risk that the European economy will continue slowly along a path of energy efficiency and emission reduction. In any case natural gas can play an important and cost effective role in the transition towards a low carbon economy. Aim of the project is to get a comprehensive analysis of all these challenges and opportunities a¬cting the European gas industry, with the aim to provide a clear snapshot of a market characterized by growing uncertainty and volatility. The annual “Gas Talks” closed door brainstorming (with Chatham House Rule) workshops create a high level discussion on relevant issues related to the future of European gas markets gathering together major experts from academia, industry and policy makers to discuss mid-to long-term challenges and opportunities for European gas markets on non-trivial, tricky and controversial subjects relating to energy issues. These annual meetings can be used also to strength the relationships within the gas forum and to benefit from experts experience on specific subjects where we need to increase our understanding.