Gassco celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and will in that connection serve as principal sponsor for the 2011 European Gas Conference (EGC) in Oslo on 6-7 June.

“It’s a great pleasure to be able to sponsor this event as part of our 10th anniversary celebrations,” says Brian Bjordal, the company’s president and CEO.

“Good meeting places are crucial in overcoming the challenges we face, and able speakers from Norway and abroad promise a conference which can throw new light on the world’s energy challenges.

“As operator of the Norwegian gas transport system, we see cross-national collaboration is the only practical approach to take.”

The EGC programme features heavyweight names. Monday 6 June will see both Helge Lund, chief executive of Statoil, and Mr Bjordal on the podium. Norway’s role as a gas exporter and Europe’s future energy mix will have a key place in this session.

Two session are being staged on the second day, with the first covering natural gas in a low-carbon Europe. Professor Jonathan Stern from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, Charles Hendry, UK minister of state for energy, and Jean-Marie Dauger, chief executive of GDF Suez, will provide perspectives on the climate challenges ahead.

The origin and use of gas sources is the topic for the second session. Former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder, Patrice de Viviès, senior vice president northern Europe in Total, and Hanna Lee Behrens, director safety, environment and innovation at the Norwegian Shipowners Association, will consider the supply picture and new gas markets.

“We know that millions of people in Europe depend on Norwegian gas, and this responsibility carries an obligation,” says Mr Bjordal. “Our goal at Gassco is to forge ties with the best partners in order to continue developing the competitive advantage of Norwegian natural gas in Europe.”

The EGC is regarded as one of Europe’s most important meetings for the gas industry, where key personnel from this sector mingle with central policy makers to exchange ideas and discuss market trends.

While the Norwegian Gas Association is organising the conference, Gassco as principal sponsor will be responsible for the technical content in the programme for its first session.

Tags: Gassco