Consumer Benefits, Environmental Protection & Supply Security of LNG Issues for APEC Gas Conference in Perth, 1-2 September 2005

Policies intended to increase consumer benefits, environmental protection and supply security of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are expected to be among the outcomes of the APEC Gas (APGAS) Forum in September.

An initiative developed by the APEC Energy Working Group (EWG) and leading private sector firms, the APGAS Forum will be held in Perth, Australia, on 1-2 September 2005.

Lead Shepherd of the Energy Working Group, Science & Resources, Mr. John Ryan, said the forum will provide an opportunity for government and business to exchange a range of views on enhancing the market potential of LNG and other gas trade in the Asia-Pacific.

"Regional trade in gas and in particular, LNG, has increased substantially in recent years and for good reason," Mr. Ryan said.

"With increased demand on energy markets and higher prices for traditional energy sources, LNG offers supply solutions that bring with them a more environmentally friendly approach to meeting energy consumption needs.

"To expand this market potential, governments and the private sector have to communicate to identify priorities and meet the challenges that we face."

Co-chairman of the APGAS Organizing Committee, Mr. Bret Mattes, from BHP Billiton Petroleum, said he expects public-private sector consultation at the forum will make a major contribution to strengthening the energy sector.

"The forum will provide an opportunity for a meeting of minds on the trading of gas and LNG, the role of gas in regional energy security, and the policies needed to allow growth in the regional gas market," Mr. Mattes said.

Mr. Ryan said one of the critical topics for the forum will be the consideration of security-related issues.

"Trade in all energy sources is currently the subject of considerable review to ensure the protection of supplies from compromise by terrorists and other criminals," Mr. Ryan said.

"The APGAS Forum will be considering a range of energy supply issues and will develop a series of recommendations to bolster security where this is needed."

Outcomes of the forum will be presented to APEC Energy Ministers when they meet in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, on 19-21 October 2005. At what will be their Seventh Meeting, APEC Energy Ministers are expected to make a series of policy recommendations for implementation in APEC Member Economies.