Acting Oil Minister Hamid Bovard made the remarks in an
interview with Shana ahead of the GECF’s eighth summit in Moscow, held
alongside the 28th ministerial meeting and marking the forum’s 25th
anniversary.
Bovard said Iran would use the meetings to promote the
interests of gas-producing and exporting countries, strengthen natural gas’s
role in global energy security and encourage more balanced, sustainable
cooperation among members.
He said the forum offered an important platform for
discussing changes in global gas markets, improving coordination among members
and developing joint responses to challenges facing gas producers and
exporters.
Bovard also linked attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure,
including facilities in the South Pars gas field, to broader risks for global
energy security. He said the consequences of such attacks could extend beyond
Iran and affect international energy markets.
Despite what he described as wartime conditions and
restrictions, Bovard said Iran continued supplying oil and natural gas to
domestic and foreign markets.
The GECF’s members collectively hold about 70% of the
world’s proven gas reserves, account for more than 40% of global gas exports
and nearly half of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, Bovard said. He argued
that these resources gave the forum a significant opportunity to influence
global energy governance through cooperation and coordination.
Iran, a founding member of the forum and the world’s
second-largest holder of proven natural gas reserves, is prepared to expand
cooperation with fellow members across the gas value chain, Bovard said.
Potential areas include exploration, drilling, field development, production,
distribution, joint investment, gas swaps, engineering services, technology
transfer and management expertise.
He also highlighted Iran’s experience in developing domestic
gas pipeline networks and compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling stations,
saying the country could share its technical and economic experience with other
members.
Bovard called for closer cooperation on the economics and
trade of natural gas and LNG, including broader access to relevant
technologies. He also proposed joint work on gas infrastructure and
emissions-reduction technologies, including eliminating routine gas flaring,
reducing methane emissions, carbon capture and storage, and blue hydrogen
development.
On climate policy, Bovard said Iran supported international
efforts to address climate change but warned that rapidly phasing out fossil
fuels could undermine energy security and deepen energy poverty in
disadvantaged communities.
Climate objectives, energy security and the reduction of
energy poverty should be pursued together, he said, adding that natural gas
could contribute to achieving these goals if supported by efficient
technologies and effective emissions management.
Bovard said a fair, orderly and inclusive energy transition
would require increased global investment in the gas industry and
decarbonization technologies for the oil and gas sector.
To strengthen the GECF’s international role, he identified
two priorities: expanding management and engineering cooperation, including
through bilateral and multilateral agreements, and deepening links among
universities, research institutions and technology centers in member countries.
Iran’s Petroleum University of Technology, Research
Institute of Petroleum Industry and other academic, private-sector and
technology institutions were ready to expand collaboration in areas of mutual
interest, he said.