Yemisi Izuora
Leading industry figures, policymakers, and executives from more than 25 countries would be converging at the 6th Budapest LNG Summit to discuss the evolving role of gas and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG ) in energy transition and security.
This year’s summit features an impressive lineup of high level speakers and networking opportunities to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the sector.
The agenda will include cutting-edge presentations and discussions, starting with the International Energy Agency’s outlook on the gas market presented by Gergely Molnár, Gas Analyst at the International Energy Agency, who will share exclusive insights into global gas and LNG market trends, supply and demand dynamics.
In addition, Zoltán Áldott, Chair of the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) will give an outlook on the global upstream energy industry, then Cristian Signoretto, President of Eurogas, will cover the role of gas in Europe’s energy transition, energy security and diversification. Gergely Szabó, Regional Chairman of MET Central Europe will also share his insights into the defining market trends, the experiences of MET Group and the situation of Central and Eastern Europe.
In the Energy Leaders Panel, top executives – Captain Marc Nuytemans, Vice President – Europe, Excelerate Energy; Mithat Aydin, Deputy General Manager, BOTAŞ; Gábor Orbán, CEO, MVM CEEnergy; Franck Neel, Member of the Executive Board, OMV Petrom; John Shoobridge, VP LNG Origination, Cheniere; Ivan Fugaš, Managing Director, LNG Croatia; Eszter Szekeres, CEO, MET Hungary will explore the role of LNG in energy security, supply flexibility, and market competitiveness. The panel will also analyse regional market trends and the lessons learned from the past winter season.
Also, Jefferson Edwards, Vice President of Shell Energy, will present the Shell LNG Outlook, offering valuable projections on global LNG demand and supply. Meanwhile, Michalis Thomadakis, Board Member of Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE), will introduce the GIE Vision 2050, outlining the long-term strategy for gas infrastructure development.
A second Energy Leaders Panel will focus on infrastructure projects and regional gas supply challenges, featuring key players – Teodora Georgieva, Executive Officer and Board Member, ICGB AD; Ion Sterian, CEO, Transgaz; Vladimir Malinov, CEO, Bulgartransgaz; Peter Pčola, Member of the Board, eustream a.s; Sotirios Bravos, Chief Commercial Officer, DESFA; Konstantinos Sifnaios, Vice President and Managing Director, Gastrade S.A.; Szabolcs I. Ferencz, CEO, FGSZ Hungarian Gas TSO. Discussions will center on the status of the Vertical Corridor, expansion of LNG terminals and storage facilities, and opportunities for regional cooperation. Ákos Kriston, CEO of Hungarian Gas Storage, will discuss the future of gas storage, a crucial aspect of Europe’s energy resilience strategy.
A dedicated panel discussion on gas trading and market volatility will include insights from Esther Ang, Head of LNG, MET International AG; László Fritsch, Deputy CEO, MVM Ceenergy; Veselin Sinabov, CEO, Bulgargaz EAD and Dániel Garai, CEO, CEEGEX.
Topics will cover the impact of global tensions on LNG markets, evolving policy shifts, and strategies for navigating economic uncertainty.
The Budapest LNG Summit will also the changing geopolitical environment and its impact on gas and LNG markets with presentations from Mónika Zsigri, Head of Unit at DG ENER, European Commission, who will speak about the EU’s diversification policy. Chichi Emenike from the Nigerian Gas Association, who will discuss the trajectory of LNG in Africa, and Csilla Bartok from ACER, who will present the latest Market Monitoring Report on European LNG developments.
The event will conclude with a networking cocktail reception, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and discuss potential collaborations.
The Budapest LNG Summit promises to be an essential gathering for industry leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.