Natural Gas and Global Energy Security: The Role of Infrastructure and Underground Gas Storage

Earlier this week, Mr Andrea Stegher - the President of the International Gas Union (IGU) - delivered a Keynote Address during the Opening Plenary of the 2025 China International Energy Exchange Forum (IEEF) organised by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), S&P Global and The CNPC Economics & Technology Research Institute (ETRI) in Beijing.

One of China's highest-level energy forums, the IEEF aimed to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration among global energy leaders, and this year's edition enjoyed a global participation at the highest levels.

In his Plenary address, IGU's President made a series of passionate and evidence-based remarks on the fundamental role of natural gas for the global energy security:

"[…] if we are serious about meeting this increasing energy demand with a lower carbon intensity, Gas becomes truly essential for the foreseeable future, among other solutions like renewables.

But - for these very reasons - we cannot risk a lack of investments in Gas development, at the right scale and at the appropriate time. Underinvestment in Gas and in its infrastructures can dramatically impact the overall energy scenario, affecting energy security, energy affordability and the environmental challenges we need to address.

Financing and building infrastructures which are future proof are part of our industry commitment and require a solid understanding of many technical features. So, as I tried to briefly summarise so far, facts - and context - matter. They are essential when it comes to understanding the enduring role of Gas in a global energy security framework.

As I mentioned many years ago, Gas infrastructures (pipelines, compressors, storage facilities) are our blood system which provides energy where and when needed. Seamlessly.

Infrastructures provide security and flexibility, especially in a more fragmented and tense geopolitical scenario where they become even more central. And we have all understood - the hard way - that without energy security we cannot discuss climate. That's why investments in Gas pipelines and underground Gas storage are so essential."