A Few Words About the International Gas Union

As valued readers of the Global Voice of Gas, you already know about the magazine and are likely aware of the IGU flagship reports providing comprehensive analysis on the key gas industry and gas markets developments.

But did you know it is also possible to join the IGU and participate in the biggest global gas industry organisation as a Member of the IGU.

I thought that sharing a few details about the IGU organisation would be interesting for our non-member readers, considering if they could join.

Established in 1931, the IGU is the only longstanding international gas industry organisation whose membership covers the entire gas value chain, across more than 80 countries, representing 90% of the global gas market. Our Members are our foundation, our strength, and our purpose.

IGU Charter Members represent the gas industry of a given country, and these are generally the most representative gas entities, such as the national associations, major companies, or sometimes Ministry or the regulator, and they are the voting members of the IGU Council, the IGU’s main governing body. The IGU also has Associate Members, who are commercial and non-commercial entities from all segments of the enormous gas value chain. There is no limit on the number of associate members by country or region, while there can only be one Charter Member per country. In sum, all IGU members are companies or organisations with a vested interest in the progress of the global gas industry helping deliver a secure and sustainable energy future.

The IGU is truly a unique network, with an unmatched collective global gas industry expertise. Our members work in every segment of the gas value chain, from the supply of natural and decarbonised gas, renewable gas and hydrogen, through their transmission and distribution, and all the way down to the point of use. Hence, “gas” in the IGU mandate includes many forms of gaseous fuels.

The IGU also has 11 thematic Committees and 3 Task Forces working on the most pressing topics facing the sector today and into the future, and they play an important role shaping the technical program of our key global conferences. Being a part of the IGU is an opportunity for our Members’ employees to connect and collaborate with anywhere around 1,000 international gas and related industry professionals from our member groups and companies.

To achieve its purpose and advocate for the progress of the gas industry, the IGU works to promote transparency, innovation, public acceptance, and a well-functioning global gas market. We seek to collaborate with governmental agencies and multilateral organisations to demonstrate the economic, social and environmental benefits that gas can offer in the global energy mix.

The IGU also provides industry networking and collaboration opportunities and organises the most prestigious international gas events, including the World Gas Conference, the International Gas Research Conference, and of course the World LNG Conference series (the latter in partnership with our colleagues from the GTI and IIR). The IGU Charter Members can apply to host these major international energy events, as the Canadian Gas Association has successfully done to bring you LNG2023 in Vancouver.

It is also important to stress that the IGU is committed to the success of the Paris Agreement and the energy transition, and that success will of course require decarbonising the natural gas supply at a fast pace. At the same time, our global membership makes us all too aware of the divergent energy and economic realities in different regions of the world, and the IGU emphasises that the energy transition will require realistic and achievable implementation planning, developed by local experts with knowledge of local challenges and possibilities.

If you would like to learn more about membership options and specific benefits,I invite you to visit this link, send us a note at Membership@igu.org, or come and see us at the IGU Booth in Vancouver at the LNG2023.