Gastech 2026 Opens in Bangkok with Focus on Energy Collaboration

Gastech 2026, the world's largest gathering for the natural gas and LNG sector, opened in Bangkok on September 14, 2026, drawing more than 50,000 attendees from over 150 countries. The event, organized by dmg events, aims to address the growing energy demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand emphasized the importance of cooperation and investment in energy projects during the Gastech Inauguration.

The event hosts 20+ ministers from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, alongside CEOs from leading energy companies such as Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, EGAT, PTT, Gulf, Petronas, TotalEnergies, and INPEX. The theme of the conference, "Where Global Supply Meets Demand," underscores the urgent need to balance energy security, affordability, and sustainability.

H.E. Akanat Promphan, Minister of Energy, Thailand, highlighted the country's strategy to meet surging power needs while building a more competitive and secure energy system.

The Strategic Conference, a key component of Gastech 2026, featured discussions on the energy reset and the role of governments and industry in navigating the evolving global energy landscape. H.E. Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy & Minerals, Oman, emphasized the need for more exploration, collaboration, and understanding among nations. He stated, "We need more energy, we need more exploration, more collaboration. But in my honest opinion, we need more understanding of each other, and we need more peace to allow us to do what we are good at."

Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, explored the importance of abundant and affordable energy in driving economic prosperity.

The private sector played a significant role in the conference, with executives from companies like PTT, PETRONAS, INPEX, Woodside Energy, YPF, NNPC, Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, JERA, Venture Global, Baker Hughes, and Trafigura advancing partnerships, investment commitments, and infrastructure projects.

In addition to the main conference, specialized programmes such as the Electrification Strategic Programme, the Global Energy Regulators Forum, the Low Carbon Solutions and Hydrogen programmes, and a dedicated Japan Energy Programme were launched. These programmes aim to address the relationship between artificial intelligence and energy operations, as well as the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector.

The exhibition floor, anchored by co-hosts Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell, with support from EGAT, PTT, and Gulf, facilitated the development of new commercial partnerships and the signing of agreements. The first day of the event saw the launch of AixEnergy, a new event co-located with Gastech, focusing on the transformation of energy operations through artificial intelligence.

Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, emphasized the importance of collaboration in meeting the world's growing energy demands. He stated, "No single nation, no single company, no single technology alone can deliver energy at the scale this moment demands. It takes partnership. It takes collaboration. It takes technology. That is why Gastech exists."

The event is expected to continue driving the projects and investments that will reshape worldwide energy growth. Over the days ahead, conversations will center on the mounting energy needs of widespread electrification and AI expansion, as the event lays the foundations for the next chapter of global progress.