Gastech 2026 opened in Bangkok today (September 14) bringing more than 50,000 energy industry participants from 150 countries to BITEC for four days of discussions on natural gas, LNG, low-carbon solutions and AI.

The opening day is focused on energy security, resilient supply chains and the changing role of Asia in the global gas and LNG market.

Ministers, policymakers, executives, regulators, investors and technology leaders are gathering to examine how the industry can respond to rising demand while advancing decarbonisation and new energy technologies.

Thailand is playing a central role in the opening-day agenda, with the country positioning itself as a regional energy hub.

Thailand’s Minister of Energy, Akanat Promphan, highlighted the importance of natural gas and LNG in strengthening energy security, attracting investment and supporting economic growth.

 He also emphasised regional cooperation, infrastructure development and emerging technologies across ASEAN.

The event’s Energy Impact Theatre opened with Gastech’s inauguration, followed by discussions on the changing global politics of energy and power.

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is also scheduled to address the conference.

A major theme of the day is the need to expand LNG supply while maintaining affordability, reliability and lower emissions.

Freeman Shaheen, President of Chevron Global Gas, is examining how rising energy demand, energy security priorities and decarbonisation goals are reshaping energy systems.

He is highlighting LNG’s role in providing reliable energy while stressing the importance of long-term investment, infrastructure and industry collaboration.

ExxonMobil is focusing on LNG’s growing role in the maritime sector, particularly as shipping seeks to reduce emissions while maintaining reliable global trade.

The company is highlighting LNG as a scalable marine fuel supported by established infrastructure, supply chains and expanding bunkering capabilities.

Shell is also addressing the outlook for global LNG demand. Cedric Cremers, President, Integrated Gas, Shell, is examining the investment required in production capacity and infrastructure to support long-term energy security, while stressing cooperation between governments, producers and customers.

The evolving LNG market in Asia is another key focus. Fatema Al Nuaimi, CEO of ADNOC Gas, is highlighting a shift from transactional relationships towards longer-term partnerships as demand and energy security concerns increase.

Investment in LNG production, trading capabilities, supply reliability and commercial flexibility is emerging as central to meeting future demand.

Eni is taking a broader view of energy security, with Guido Brusco, COO, Global Natural Resources and General Manager, Eni, emphasising diversified LNG operations, infrastructure investment and strategic partnerships.

 He is highlighting the importance of flexible and integrated portfolios in building resilient energy systems.

Specialised sectors are also featuring prominently on Day One, including LNG bunkering, marine fuels and technologies aimed at scaling supply while reducing emissions.

With Asia increasingly shaping global LNG demand and trade flows, the opening day of Gastech 2026 is centred on how producers, governments and industry can build secure, flexible and scalable energy systems.

The discussions set the tone for the four-day event, with collaboration, infrastructure investment and innovation emerging as key requirements for meeting the world’s future energy needs. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service