Gas Week 2013: Inaugural and comprehensive event addressing all regulatory, technical and commercial developments in shale gas, CBM and offshore gas exploration and production.

Awakening the Sleeping Gas Giants of Africa:
“Colourless, odourless, lighter than air. Natural gas may not have much impact on the senses, but as a source of heat and power, it is transforming energy markets.” ~ The Economist, 14 July 2012

Gas Week 2013, a combination of previously hosted Shale Gas and Natural Gas Conferences, is set to take place from 08 to 12 April 2013, at The Hyatt Regency, Rosebank, Johannesburg.

A look back:
“Ten years ago, East Africa was a 'non-story' as far as oil and gas were concerned, with complex geology, poor seismic data and difficult political factors, resulting in only a few local coastal explorations with little consequence." ~ Business Day, 2 November 2012 Similarly, South Africa's shale gas reserves, Mozambique's offshore gas reserves and coal bed methane exploration in Botswana, and other parts of Southern Africa – had little good news to share.

Gas today:
A decade later, and the African continent has transformed into the ‘new promised land’ for gas. It is not surprising that investors are optimistic about the potential for growth in the African gas sector, given the continuing gas discoveries in Africa. New gas finds are occurring almost monthly in the waters off Tanzania and Mozambique. The scale of the finds thus far, is attracting big money, which in turn, is set to establish East and Southern Africa, as one of the next gas frontiers in the world.

Home soil:
Meanwhile developments in the South African gas market have reached fever pitch. Shale gas reserves in the Karoo basin are a few steps closer to exploration, as a result of the recent removal of the moratorium. The challenge however remains, as to how the suspected vast cheap energy wealth, stacked away beneath the Karoo, will diversify the energy mix. Furthermore, how will its exploration and possible exploitation, address the socio-economic concerns of the country, while Government and gas companies involved, simultaneously ensure that the local environment and water resources, are protected.

Drawing on these developments, as well as gas trends in other parts of Africa, the Institute for International Research (IIR South Africa BV) presents its inaugural Gas Week 2013 conference. Says Busie Mhlanga-Mjimba, IIR South Africa BV Senior Project Manager, “Combining our successful Shale Gas and Natural Gas conferences into one forum, this event represents an ideal platform to share ideas and learn more about the latest trends in energy and gas markets. Moreover, debates will be heard as to how these influence and impact upon energy security, environmental protection and economic development, within Africa.”