COP29, Baku: Italgas Leads the Global Dialogue on Methane Emissions and Energy Infrastructure Sustainability
Baku, Azerbaijan – November 15th, 2024 – The role of infrastructure in reducing methane emissions and promoting sustainable gas trade was the central theme at the Italian Pavilion in COP29’s Blue Zone, where distinguished international figures in energy and environmental fields, government representatives, infrastructure operators, and NGOs gathered for an impactful discussion.
The session was inaugurated by Professor Francesco Corvaro, Special Envoy of the Italian Government for Climate, who outlined COP29’s main context and objectives, highlighting Italy’s strategic role in international negotiations. Jonathan Banks, Global Director of Methane at the Clean Air Task Force, focused his speech on the impact of methane emissions and the importance of reducing them through measurable, sector-specific approaches. He called all participants to action and moderated the subsequent discussion.
Throughout the event, experts and representatives from institutions, companies, and NGOs shared valuable insights, experiences, and strategies to curb methane emissions. Among the participants, Masahiro Naka from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, alongside representatives of think tanks and NGOs such as the Atlantic Council and the Environmental Defense Fund, enriched the debate. They were joined by delegates from infrastructure companies, including Tokyo Gas, Azerigas, and Marubeni. Also contributing to the event were the Italian Biogas Consortium, the World Bank, and Andris Piebalgs, Chair of the IMEO Implementation Committee.
“For the first time, Italgas is taking part in COP in a remarkably significant way Pier Lorenzo Dell’Orco, CEO of Italgas RETI stated - We are proud to have brought together a panel of exceptional experts from various nations here in Baku to address the crucial challenge of reducing methane emissions. Gas, which today is fossil-based but will increasingly be green, will continue to play a key role in the transition to a net-zero economy, with infrastructure serving as the enabler for sustainability across the entire energy chain. The success of this event not only reinforces Italgas’s position as Europe’s leading gas distribution operator but also establishes our role as a prominent player on the international energy stage. We extend our thanks to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security for hosting us in the Italian pavilion here in Azerbaijan and for their valuable support in organizing and realizing this event”.
