22nd GIE Annual Conference: Fueling Change, Securing Tomorrow

June 4, 2025

Tomorrow marks the official opening of the 22nd Annual Conference of Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) at the Marriott Hotel in Athens, Greece, hosted by DESFA, the Hellenic Natural Gas Transmission System Operator. For two days, 5-6 June 2025, the Greek capital turns into the beating heart of Europe's energy dialogue, drawing more than 350 participants from across the energy spectrum-gas, electricity, hydrogen, renewables, academia, and policy.

The 22nd GIE Annual Conference is the central annual meeting point of Europe's gas infrastructure community, providing thought leadership and strategic cooperation for energy system transformation. Hosted by DESFA, this year's edition of GIE's flagship event will focus on 'Fueling Change, Securing Tomorrow'-exploring how EU gas infrastructure can evolve to ensure energy security, drive decarbonisation, and deliver a cleaner future, with Greece's pivotal role as a strategic energy hub taking center stage.

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) represents 72 members operating critical infrastructure across 25 countries, operating transmission pipelines, underground storage, and LNG terminals, with an increasing focus on CCUS technologies. GIE advocates for the role of flexible gas infrastructure as a cornerstone of a competitive, secure and decarbonised European energy system.

Ms. Maria Rita Galli, CEO of DESFA, notes: "We are very pleased to host GIE's flagship annual conference in Athens, reaffirming Greece's key role in the European energy dialogue. Ensuring security of affordable supply remains a top priority for Europe, and gas infrastructure plays a crucial role in this effort. By expanding and diversifying import infrastructures, strengthening cross-border interconnections and providing the flexibility required to integrate renewable energy sources, we are contributing to a more resilient and reliable energy system. At DESFA, we are not only responding to today's challenges-we are also preparing for tomorrow. Our infrastructure is being developed with a long-term perspective, ready to accommodate renewable and low-carbon gases such as hydrogen and biomethane. Moreover, the gas infrastructure industry is proactively engaged to foster the advancement of carbon capture and storage, helping Europe meet its climate goals without compromising energy security."

Mr. Arno Büx, President of GIE, states: "The GIE Annual Conference 2025 comes at a pivotal moment for Europe's energy transition. As we gather in Athens-a city where heritage meets transformation-we bring together key players to reflect, connect, and act. Across Europe, gas infrastructure is evolving fast: enabling hydrogen corridors, scaling up biomethane, supporting CCUS, and reinforcing energy resilience. These developments are not isolated-they're shaping a truly interconnected energy system. As GIE, we're proud to lead this movement by driving integration, fostering innovation, and strengthening Europe's infrastructure backbones. Our commitment remains clear: to build a resilient, secure, and competitive energy future for all Europeans."

The first day of the conference will include high-level addresses from the Deputy Minister of Energy of Greece, Mr. Nikos Tsafos, the Secretary of State of Romania, Mr. Cristian-Silviu Bușoi and a high-level panel with GIE President Mr. Arno Büx and DESFA CEO Ms. Maria Rita Galli, setting the stage for strategic discussions on energy security, especially in South East Europe and the Baltics.

This panel will be followed by a GIEtalk on ensuring security of supply, presenting insights from the GSE study. Subsequent panels will delve into fortifying Europe's energy landscape, focusing on security of supply in an evolving market, and advancing carbon capture, transport, and storage (CCUS) for a sustainable future.

The afternoon will feature GIEtalks highlighting pioneering CCUS projects, with a spotlight on DESFA's APOLLOCO2 flagship PCI project aiming for the development of the first large-scale CCS hub in Greece, followed by panels on coordinating infrastructure for a resilient energy future and scaling up the EU's hydrogen market, through the development of a pan-European hydrogen backbone to de-risk H₂ infrastructure for a net-zero Europe.

The second day will focus on Europe's energy future in the context of the Green Deal and Fit-for-55 objectives, with panels on biomethane development and scale-up, affordable, accessible energy for consumers and innovation to enhance EU industrial competitiveness. The conference will also address cybersecurity and resilience in the energy sector, concluding with discussions on the future of LNG terminals and the strategic role of ports in the energy transition.

For the full agenda and updates: https://www.gie.eu/event/gie-annual-conference-2025/

Note to editors

Who is GIE?

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) is the association representing the interests of European gas infrastructure operators active in gas transmission, gas storage and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) regasification. GIE is a trusted partner of European institutions, regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders. It is based in Brussels, the heart of European policymaking. GIE currently represents 72 member companies from 25 countries. GIE's vision is that by 2050, the gas infrastructure will be the backbone of the new innovative energy system, allowing European citizens to benefit from a secure, efficient and sustainable energy supply. More information about GIE can be found on its website: https://www.gie.eu/

Press contact

Mahtab Jalali Moghaddam, Communication Officer, email: mahtab.jalali@gie.eu

Who is Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator (DESFA) S.A.

The Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator (DESFA) S.A. is responsible for the operation, management, use and development of the Hellenic Natural Gas System. Possessing extensive experience and having highly skilled personnel, DESFA is a reliable partner in the framework of the ongoing international energy projects in Southeastern Europe, and beyond. DESFA is an enabler of a sustainable energy future, accelerating Greece's energy transition towards a decarbonised economy. DESFA shareholders are 34% the Greek State and 66% Senfluga S.A. (formed by Snam, Enagás, Fluxys and Damco). More information about DESFA can be found on its website: https://www.desfa.gr

Press contacts

• Natasa Chatziantoniou, DESFA, tel. 213 088 4058, email: a.chatziantoniou@desfa.gr
• Elli Zotou, White Ad, tel. 694 55 95 010, email: elliz@whitead.gr

Post navigation