On May 20, 2025, the 29th World Gas Conference (WGC2025) opened at the National Convention Center in Beijing. The President of the International Gas Union, Li Yalan, said at the opening ceremony that in the face of multiple challenges such as climate change, energy security, and geopolitics, natural gas, with its advantages of abundant resources, cleanliness, high efficiency, and economic viability, is becoming an indispensable and important supporting force in the global energy structure.

China, as the world’s largest importer of natural gas and liquefied natural gas, has attracted increasing international attention for its development experience. In 2024, China’s natural gas production was 246.4 billion cubic meters, a year – on – year increase of 6.2%; the natural gas import volume was 131.69 million tons (about 1,380 cubic meters per ton), a year – on – year increase of 9.9%; and the apparent consumption of natural gas was 426.05 billion cubic meters, a year – on – year increase of 8%.

Shell’s “Liquefied Natural Gas Outlook Report 2025” predicts that driven by Asian economic growth, carbon reduction in heavy industries and the transportation sector, and the development of artificial intelligence, global liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand will increase by about 60% by 2040, reaching 630 – 718 million tons per year.

The conference will host more than 80 high – level thematic forums, covering areas such as LNG development, the coupling of natural gas and renewable energy, energy security, and digital transformation. More than 400 prominent guests will conduct in – depth exchanges on industry trends and technological innovations.