Mohsen Paknejad, Iran’s oil minister, told SHANA in an exclusive interview that the meeting highlighted the importance of international collaboration in the natural gas industry and its role in global energy security. 

“This meeting provided a platform for member and observer countries to exchange experiences and innovative ideas, Paknejad said.

Here is the full text of Paknejad’s interview with SHANA:

What was the most significant outcome of the 26th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), and how does the GECF contribute to ensuring global energy security?

The 26th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) emphasized the importance of international cooperation in the natural gas industry and its role in ensuring global energy security. The participating countries highlighted the necessity of increasing the share of natural gas as an energy source during the energy transition process.

Special attention was also given to innovation and research in the gas industry to promote the use of advanced technologies, such as carbon capture and storage and the production of low-carbon gases.

The meeting provided a platform for exchanging experiences and innovative ideas among member and observer countries while underscoring the vital role of natural gas in reducing environmental impacts.

Global energy security is achieved through ensuring easy access to reliable energy resources such as natural gas, investing in the gas industry, as well as improving energy transmission infrastructure.

The GECF supports member countries by providing a platform for sharing technical knowledge and experiences, helping them optimize their capacities to contribute to global energy security.

Additionally, the GECF fosters constructive collaboration by strengthening international relations between producers and consumers, thereby enhancing the role of natural gas in the global energy market.

What challenges are currently facing natural gas producers?

 Some member states of the GECF face various challenges, including economic sanctions, geopolitical issues, political tensions, and gas price fluctuations. These challenges not only affect gas production and trade but also threaten the investments needed for infrastructure development. To overcome these obstacles, producing countries require international cooperation, the development of efficient technologies, and the adoption of long-term strategic policies.

Iran, as one of the key members of the GECF, emphasizes the importance of energy diplomacy to stabilize markets and attract new investments.

According to reputable international reports, significant investment will be required globally in the coming years to develop gas infrastructure and advanced technologies in this industry. These investments include constructing new pipelines, storage facilities, LNG transportation infrastructure, and developing low-carbon technologies. Insufficient investment could lead to supply shortages, rising prices, and a decline in global energy security.

How does the GECF address environmental concerns related to the use of natural gas?

The GECF presents natural gas as a clean and environmentally friendly fuel that can serve as an ideal alternative to polluting resources like coal. By organizing specialized meetings and publishing scientific reports, the forum raises global awareness about the benefits of natural gas. It also focuses on technologies such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) as solutions to mitigate environmental impacts.

Due to its lower emissions and compatibility with renewable energy sources, natural gas is recognized as the main fuel for the energy transition. The GECF is also working in collaboration with international organizations such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to strengthen the role of natural gas in global energy policies.

What is Iran's role in the GECF and the global gas market?

Iran, with the world's second-largest natural gas reserves and a strategic geographic location, plays a crucial role in the GECF and the global gas market. The country has become one of the leading natural gas producers globally by developing projects such as the South Pars gas field. Furthermore, Iran plays a key role in global energy security through the development of gas transmission and export infrastructure. Despite unfair sanctions, Iran has been able to expand its gas resources using domestic capacities. Iran is also working to strengthen its energy diplomacy and expand international cooperation through the development of gas swaps.

What is the role of technology in the future of the gas industry?

Advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, smart energy management systems, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), will shape the future of the gas industry. These technologies not only help reduce production and transmission costs but also provide opportunities to minimize environmental impacts and enhance operational efficiency. The GECF, in collaboration with its member countries, strives to leverage these technologies to enhance competitiveness and sustainability in the global gas market.