Against a backdrop of persistent geopolitical uncertainties, global energy price trends and energy security have returned firmly to the spotlight. Taking place in Hong Kong late this month, the International Gas Union (IGU) Council 2026 and the “Empowering a Sustainable Future” Summit will offer an essential platform for cross-sector leaders to exchange perspectives on these pressing challenges.
Hosted by The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas), the IGU Council 2026 and the “Empowering a Sustainable Future” Summit will run in the city from 26 to 29 October. The Council meeting will bring together around 70 international delegates, whilst the flagship summit will convene approximately 500 government officials, energy business executives, academics and industry experts from around the world for a series of in-depth panel discussions.
Four core themes tackle cutting-edge topics as government, business and academia convene
Held on 29 October at Hopewell Hotel, the “Empowering a Sustainable Future” Summit will centre on four pivotal themes: Asia Pacific: The Engine of Global Natural Gas Market Development, China Natural Gas Market Development, Strategic Roadmaps for Asia’s Energy Evolution, and Finance as a Driver: Strengthening Support for Energy Development. The agenda covers low-carbon energy, artificial intelligence (AI) and green finance.
Distinguished keynote speakers will include Mr Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology; Ir Arthur Li Hok-yin, Deputy Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services; and Ms Li Yalan, Vice President of the IGU. Representatives from prominent energy, financial and academic institutions across various countries and regions have also been invited to take part.
The summit has secured widespread cross-sector support and sponsorship. On the day of the event, an on-site exhibition showcase will feature leading energy enterprises presenting their latest breakthrough technologies and services to attendees.
Global energy flagship event arrives in Hong Kong this October
The IGU is the world’s most influential and authoritative non-profit, member-based international organisation in the gas sector, with its membership representing more than 90% of global gas market share. As the corporate member representing Hong Kong, Towngas has long played an active role in supporting IGU initiatives, including the 29th World Gas Conference in Beijing and the Council Meeting in London last year.
Mr Peter Wong Wai-yee, Managing Director of Towngas, noted that bringing this edition of the IGU meetings to Hong Kong coincides with a pivotal moment when artificial intelligence presents both fresh opportunities and complex challenges for energy demand and applications. In response, the Hong Kong summit has specifically invited financial experts and scholars to share forward-looking perspectives on green financing and related topics.
Hydrogen decarbonisation highlights Hong Kong's infrastructure strengths
During the event, host Towngas will organise technical site visits to give international delegates a firsthand look at Hong Kong’s diverse, real-world energy applications. Participants will inspect a pilot facility in Sai Kung that extracts hydrogen from the existing gas pipeline network for power generation. In addition to charging electric vehicles, the system supplies supplementary electricity and hot water through a combined heat and power (CHP) unit. Delegates will also tour a waste-to-energy project in Tseung Kwan O that converts landfill biogas into town gas. Furthermore, attendees will be treated to an evening cruise across Victoria Harbour, offering them a taste of Hong Kong’s vibrant cosmopolitan appeal whilst showcasing the city’s strengths on the global stage.
This year marks the start of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which sets out a clear pathway for accelerating the green transition and advancing peak carbon and carbon neutrality targets. In tandem, the HKSAR Government has released the city’s first Five-Year Plan to align proactively with national development strategies. Convening the IGU Council meeting and Summit in Hong Kong at this juncture carries profound significance.
As host, Towngas looks forward to welcoming global industry leaders to Hong Kong to empower a sustainable future together. Through this premier international stage, Towngas seeks to showcase Hong Kong’s energy transition journey and contribute local expertise towards global energy security and high-quality, sustainable growth.
