2018
HOUSTON

The 31st World LPG Forum

 
Thank you for joining us at the 31st World LPG Forum that was held in Houston.
 
If you missed the keynote address from Mr Glenn Hegar, the comptroller of the United States of Texas and the opening speeches during the 30th World LPG Forum you can now see these online here.
 
Visit the website here: 2018 HOUSTON – WLPGA

The 31st World LPG Forum wrapped up in Houston

Under the theme ‘Tomorrow’s Energy Today’, the World LPG Forum debated the key role that LPG has in shaping the future energy transition. This is an issue that resonates across the globe in whatever market you operate and the discussion around this will continue over the coming years.

Key Facts and Figures: Around 1,400 total participants from 76 countries with 88 exhibiting companies.

Top five countries represented:

  1. USA
  2. India
  3. Mexico
  4. Nigeria
  5. Japan

The Forum Highlights

‘Tomorrow’s Energy Today’

There were many highlights of the two and a half day sessions in Houston, but most notably the roundtable ‘Tomorrow’s Energy Today’ which reflected the overall theme of the event. The panel featured discussions on the future role of LPG in the energy mix and, in particular, how LPG can contribute to the low carbon energy transition.  The panel, which featured senior representatives from the US and Europe noted that the industry faces major opportunities but also challenges and threats, including the “electrification of everything everywhere”. The panel concluded with an upbeat outlook for the US market with an ambition to grow LPG consumption by 4 billion gallons (11 million tonnes) over the next 5 years.

A Wide Range of Sessions

Other sessions on the Wednesday covered ‘Prospects for Propane’ where chair Amber Fennell opened this first session which focused on the positive outlook for the LPG industry. All forecasts suggest a supply surplus over the next decade. North America continues to play a key role in meeting the world’s demand. So, what can go wrong? Where are the hidden challenges for the industry? The second session ‘Communications: Evolution or Revolution?’ indicated that Communications – whether it is classic, disruptive, guerrilla – remains at the heart of any industry and paves the way to extend influence and grow business. Lillian Christensen, the chair of the session, stressed the importance of the propane industry to push harder to get ahead of the curve, and that the industry needs to take more inventive and adventurous initiatives. Session 3 ‘A Time of Transition in the Americas’ featured a number of engaging presentations focusing on growth potential in different markets and sectors in the Americas. From big production surges in North America, to policy reform in Mexico and further deregulation in Brazil and beyond. The ‘Secrets of Success’ session had exclusive insight and analysis into some of the world’s most exciting and Exceptional Energy projects, showcasing innovation in a variety of diverse markets and applications. This session uncovered the secrets behind the best practice stories that will drive the future of our industry.

The Global Technology Conference

Among other highlights was the Global Technology Conference 2018 which took place on Tuesday afternoon and where cutting-edge innovation was showcased. It was standing room only at GTC 2018 in Houston where over 200 delegates heard about some of the latest technology that’s being applied in the LPG industry. A total of 11 papers were presented at GTC2018. PaygoEnergy won the WLPGA 2018 Innovation award with their presentation of a digitally controlled smart valve fitted to domestic LPG cylinders which lowers the entry barrier for low income households and deters illegal fillers. The paper was selected from the 11 papers by the GTC steering committee and on-line audience polling tool. WLPGA CEO, James Rockall, presented the innovation award to Fausto Marcigot who represented PaygoEnergy.