Global energy leaders will gather in Bangkok from September 14-17, for Gastech 2026, as Asia takes centre stage in efforts to meet rising energy demand while maintaining security, affordability and sustainability.

Hosted by Thailand’s Ministry of Energy, the event will bring together policymakers, regulators, producers, investors, utilities, traders and technology companies to address the energy requirements created by industrial expansion, electrification, urbanisation, digitalisation and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.

Emerging and developing economies accounted for more than 80% of global energy demand growth in 2024, with developing economies in Asia responsible for around 60% of the increase.

Electricity demand rose 4.3% during the year, while global data-centre electricity consumption is expected to more than double by 2030.

Gastech 2026 will feature more than 800 speakers across 200 conference sessions and 18 specialised programmes.

Discussions will cover energy security, LNG and natural gas, renewables, low-carbon technologies, infrastructure, investment and the development of stronger electricity grids.

Akanat Promphan, Thailand’s Minister of Energy, said: "Thailand is proud to welcome global energy leaders to Bangkok at a time when energy security, economic competitiveness and sustainable growth are more interconnected than ever. Gastech provides an important platform for governments, industry and investors to work together on the solutions needed to meet growing energy demand while strengthening resilience and creating long-term opportunity for our region."

The Strategic Conference will bring together energy ministers, policymakers and international institutions, while senior executives from companies including PTT, Petronas, Inpex, Woodside Energy, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, JERA, Baker Hughes and Trafigura will discuss investment, infrastructure and commercial partnerships.

New for 2026, the Electrification Strategic Conference Programme, delivered with EGAT, will focus on growing electricity demand, grid resilience and investment in reliable, lower-carbon power systems.

 A Global Energy Regulators Forum will examine how regulatory frameworks can encourage infrastructure investment and innovation.

The dedicated Japan Energy Programme will explore Japan’s LNG strategy, changing power demand and energy-security priorities, while co-located AixEnergy will examine the increasingly important relationship between AI and energy, including the power requirements of data centres and the use of AI to improve energy-system efficiency.

The exhibition will connect producers, buyers, utilities, developers, investors and technology providers.

Chevron, ExxonMobil and Shell will serve as co-hosts, alongside Thailand’s EGAT, PTT and Gulf, with RATCH and EGCO as National Consortium Supporters.

The event follows Gastech 2025, which facilitated approximately US$60 billion in commercial agreements and investments.

Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, said: "The world's energy story is ultimately a story of growth. Across Asia and around the world, economies are expanding, industries are modernising and demand for reliable, affordable and sustainable energy continues to rise. At the same time, AI, digitalisation and electrification are creating entirely new opportunities and sources of demand."

Hudson added: "Gastech brings together the leaders responsible for shaping that future, from ministers and policymakers to producers, technology innovators, utilities and investors. This is where important conversations become partnerships, investment decisions and real-world projects. There could be no better setting than Bangkok, at the heart of one of the world's most dynamic energy-growth regions." -OGN/TradeArabia News Service