Global energy leaders push partnerships, AI, and Gas at Gastech 2025
By Olakunle Oke
Day Two of Gastech 2025, the world’s largest energy exhibition and conference, showcased global collaboration and technological breakthroughs as essential to strengthening energy security, affordability, and sustainability.
Wednesday’s sessions drew senior policymakers and industry executives, who stressed the importance of cross-border cooperation and digital innovation to address rising demand while advancing decarbonisation targets.
During a ministerial panel with leaders from Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and the Republic of Congo, discussions focused on regulatory structures, financing models, and regional coordination to expand energy access. Congo’s Hydrocarbons Minister, H.E. Bruno-Jean Richard Itoua, underscored the pivotal role of gas in Africa’s growth. “We still have a big lack of access to energy in Africa, and this is not acceptable,” he said.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright also called for greater gas production, insisting that abundant supply drives down costs and supports global prosperity. “The world needs massively more energy, and we need to provide all kinds of energy today,” he told delegates.
Two flagship streams – the Climatetech Conference and AI::Energy – drew attention to how software, AI-driven analytics, and digital twins are reducing emissions, optimising grids, and minimising downtime across global energy systems.
At a Climatetech panel, Air Liquide’s Bruno Ponson remarked that the development of a competitive carbon capture market depends more on financial frameworks than technological barriers. “Scaling-up CCUS based on proven technologies is not an issue,” he explained. “Instead, we need to make sure that the framework itself is right.”
Artificial intelligence repeatedly surfaced as a central theme. NLNG’s Deputy MD, Olakunle Osobu, pointed out how AI is helping Africa narrow its electricity gaps. “Where we are struggling with power and electricity, young people with code are overcoming this,” he said.
Beyond the discussions, Gastech 2025 delivered concrete commercial outcomes. Italy’s Edison and Shell announced a 15-year purchase agreement aimed at boosting the country’s supply of reliable and affordable energy.
The second day of the event also examined the surging energy requirements of data centres and rapid urbanisation, stressing that only a mix of gas, renewables, and digital tools can satisfy global demand.
With fresh partnerships secured and actionable strategies exchanged, Gastech 2025 continues to chart a path for an energy transition rooted in security, accessibility, and innovation.