Egypt’s Strategic Impact at WGC2025: Shaping a Resilient, Low-Carbon Energy Future
Introduction
From May 19–23, 2025, Egypt participated in the 29th World Gas Conference (WGC2025) in Beijing, one of the most significant gatherings in the international energy calendar. The event brought together ministers, CEOs, and technical experts from more than 70 countries to discuss the future of gas in the context of energy security, transition, and sustainability.
Egypt’s delegation was led by Eng. Cav. Khaled Abubakr (Chairman, Rosetta Energy and Chairman, Egyptian Gas & Energy Association), Eng. Mohamed Fouad (CEO, Egypt Oil & Gas and Secretary General, EGEA), and Eng. Karim Shaaban (Co-Founder & Managing Director, Rosetta Energy), whose engagements reflected Egypt’s growing strategic role in global energy affairs.
Egypt Assumes Key Leadership Roles at the IGU
At WGC2025, Eng. Cav. Khaled Abubakr, Chairman of Rosetta Energy and the Egyptian Gas & Energy Association (EGEA), was officially appointed Vice President of the International Gas Union (IGU) for the 2025–2028 term. He will subsequently serve as President of the IGU from 2028 to 2031, aligning with Cairo’s selection as host city for the 31st World Gas Conference. Eng. Karim Shaaban, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Rosetta Energy, was named Vice Chairman of the IGU Executive Coordination Committee.
Participation at WGC2025
WGC2025 featured over 80 strategic forums and 500 expert speakers. Egypt’s delegation engaged deeply in the event’s influential panels, with Eng. Karim Shaaban’s participation in the session titled “Natural Gas Enabling a Resilient, Secure, and Decarbonised Power System,” moderated by ENGIE Executive VP Didier Holleaux. The panel brought together global energy leaders to explore how natural gas continues to underpin power sector transformation.
Panel Highlights: Natural Gas for a Low-Carbon Power System
Eng. Shaaban emphasized natural gas as a core enabler of clean energy, not just a bridge fuel. His key points included:
Coal-to-Gas Transition: Replacing coal with gas significantly reduces carbon emissions and improves air quality, while maintaining the reliability of baseload power.
LNG-to-Power for Energy Access: LNG solutions can reach off-grid and underserved regions, accelerating electrification and enabling economic growth.
Balancing Renewable Energy: Gas turbines offer the flexibility needed to integrate variable renewables like wind and solar, ensuring system stability.
Enabling Future Fuels: Natural gas systems are evolving to work alongside hydrogen, biomethane, and carbon capture solutions, supporting long-term decarbonization.
Implications for Egypt’s Energy Strategy
Egypt’s strong presence at WGC2025 demonstrated how its domestic energy policy aligns with global sustainability and energy security goals. As a country rich in natural gas, Egypt is using this resource not only as an economic driver but as a strategic lever to support energy transition and access.
With its new leadership role in IGU and direct engagement in shaping future gas innovation, Egypt is advancing its position as a global energy leader—and Rosetta Energy is proud to be at the center of this progress.
