OGT-2024: the key to success in Turkmenistan’s energy sector

Ashgabat is preparing to host the  Conference and EXPO “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2024” (OGT 2024). The event will take place from October 23 – 25 and will serve as a pivotal platform to discuss the investment potential of the country’s energy sector. The focus will be on expanding exports of Turkmen natural gas to global markets, progress on the Afghan section of the TAPI gas pipeline, new phases of developing the “Galkynysh” gas field, attracting investments in offshore blocks in the Caspian Sea, modernization of oil refineries and chemical gas utilization projects.

Particular attention at the conference will be given to energy transition issues, implementing innovative technologies, best international practices in the oil and gas industry, and environmental aspects of hydrocarbon extraction. Specifically, the discussion will address reducing methane and carbon dioxide emissions. The year, OGT sponsors include CLS, Çalik Enerji, ADNOC, CNPC, ENOC, CNPC, Yug-Neftegaz, Hyundai Engineering, ENI and Schlumberger. The event’s knowledge partner S&P Global Platts with SPE chairing the technical session. 

OGT is expecting a record number of delegates, particularly from the UAE. As noted by HE Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State of the UAE, at the Turkmen Energy Investment Forum in Dubai last year, «UAE seeks to widen its dynamic partnerships with Turkmenistan in the oil, gas, and renewable sectors through major investments by UAE companies such as ADNOC, Dragon Oil, and Masdar, amongst others. »

Key Speakers and Topics at OGT 2024

Among the confirmed speakers at OGT 2024 are prominent experts such as Hou Qijun, President of CNPC; Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman of S&P Global; Ariel Flores, Executive Vice President of Exploration and Production at BP; Dario Liguti, Director of the Sustainable Energy Division of the UN Economic Commission for Europe; and Manfredi Caltagirone, Head of the International Methane Emissions Observatory. Moderators for the panel discussions will include Matthew J. Sagers – Vice President, Research and Analysis MGMT; Joseph Murphy, Editor of the globally recognized industry journal “Natural Gas World,” and leading specialists such as Philipp Vorobyov and Eric Eiberg from S&P Global Platts Commodity Insights.

The OGT 2024 agenda will address Turkmenistan’s strategic role in the global energy landscape, the strengthening of energy infrastructure, and international cooperation. It will focus on current trends in the Turkmen gas and petrochemical market and discuss the potential use of methane in industry and financing clean energy projects.

“Natural gas will continue to play an essential role in transitioning to a low-carbon future, mainly by replacing coal in power generation. Experts from S&P Global Platts have calculated that Turkmenistan’s export of 30 billion cubic meters of gas to China is equivalent to 60 million tons of coal, positively impacting the region’s climate.” said Maksat Babayev, State Minister, Chairman of SC “Turkmengas” in his speech at last year’s OGT.

Ranked 4^th in the world on natural gas reserves, the country has a rich resource base to satisfy the energy needs of the Asian region. A separate session at OGT 2024 will be dedicated to further developing Galkynysh, the world’s largest onshore gas field. Along with its satellite Yashlar and Garakel fields, Galkynysh holds 27.4 trillion cubic meters of gas reserves. Recently, Turkmengas signed a framework agreement with Hyundai Engineering Co., Ltd. to design and construct gas processing facilities in this field. Further stages of development of this super-giant gas field present multiple opportunities to international investors.

Investors will also be interested in key topics for discussion, including evaluating export markets for Turkmen natural gas, progress on constructing the TAPI gas pipeline and increasing swap gas supplies to Azerbaijan.

Additionally, issues of training specialized personnel, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and enhancing technical training in Turkmenistan’s oil and gas sector will be addressed.

The OGT 2024 conference aims to attract foreign investors to Turkmenistan’s energy projects, foster scientific research in the oil and gas sector, and strengthen international partnerships. The OGT Expo, which will be held within the conference’s framework, will showcase achievements in the global and Turkmen oil and gas industry. Meetings with the senior management of NOC ministers will be organized to develop further mutually beneficial partnerships.

More than 200 delegates from 30 countries have already registered to participate. Registration is open until October 13. Registered delegates will be provided full visa support. For more information, please visit the event’s website: https://ogt-turkmenistan.com/en.