Gastech in Houston: a landmark moment on the global energy calendar

As I observe the current global landscape, I see an ever-changing set of political, social, and financial priorities that are influencing the decisions of today’s leaders. The traditional trade routes and industries are evolving, while new sectors and emerging technologies are shaping our future.

In Houston, embracing change has been central to our identity and success. Founded in 1836 at the junction of Buffalo and White Oak Bayous, this city has pursued progress and innovation, serving as a destination for forward-thinkers revolutionizing the world around us. At the heart of this journey has been our energy sector, which first materialized in the early 1900s following substantial oil discoveries in the greater Houston region.

Building on more than a century of policy making and public-private collaboration, including the formation of the Energy Corridor District in 2001, Houston serves as the energy capital of the United States. The city is home to more than 4,700 energy-related firms that make it indispensable to domestic energy security and prosperity through expanding LNG export projects, as well as a leading target for foreign investment.

Despite this incredible success, we have never limited ourselves to the confines of oil and gas, and in 2021, the city unveiled a plan to lead the global energy transition toward an energy-abundant low carbon world. With the support of leading companies – such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, bp America, and Schlumberger – and benefiting from the galvanizing impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, Houston is now home to the ground-breaking ventures and projects that are decarbonizing key sectors and unlocking new growth opportunities for renewable resources.

Houston is immensely proud to host Gastech, the premier gathering platform for natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, climate technologies & AI, energy manufacturing, and low carbon solutions. As a landmark moment on the energy calendar, Gastech has a rich 52-year history of uniting the industry’s leading actors - including Ministers, CEOs, and leading innovators – to drive the energy transformation forward and deliver actionable strategies for meeting our climate goals.

As the event’s host city, Houston offers a shining example of what is possible during this time of uncertainty and change. Houston now sources 92% of its power from wind and solar energy, higher than any other city in the United States, and is developing one of the country’s leading hydrogen hubs.

I encourage all Gastech attendees to soak in the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit that has sustained this city for decades. In the words of Bill Gates, “If you want to catch a glimpse of our country’s clean energy future, you should head on down to the Lone Star State.”