30 Seconds with.....Jean Abiteboul and Jan von Drathen

We spent a quick 30 seconds with some of our FLAME 2012 speakers….
What are you currently working on?
JA: Exporting LNG produced in USA
JVD: Optimizing CSP plants.
What is the biggest challenge that the gas industry needs to focus its attention on currently?
JA: Same as during the last 30 years: make sure that the offer matches the demand (and the other way round). But it becomes harder every year……
JVD: Making it simple to purchase gas at fair prices.
Are oil linked gas contracts a thing of the past?
JA: All things must pass (George Harrison)….but when? It seems like the past has already started!
JVD: Not necessarily. These are just too expensive now.
In your opinion, how will global gas flows change over the next 10 years?
JA: Good question indeed! Export (instead of import) of LNG from the USA, ramping up of Australian LNG to Asia (and South America?), optimization of the sea transportation routes (I hope!),development of Russian and Caspian pipe gas to Europe, start-up of non-conventional production in Asia, and a joker until the end of the conference.
JVD: Gas transports will increase, which will lead to a global price.
On a scale of 1-10, how much is shale gas an industry game changer and why? (1= not much and 10 = a complete change)
JA: I would say 10, but I may not be fully objective!
JVD: 9..Yes it is a game changer, but it is too early to say on the long run which direction it will take as there are a number of environmental down sides. At the moment it creates an oversupply, but when these dry up due to environmental problems there will be a massive shortage.
What are you most looking forward to at Flame this year?
JA: Avoiding to say things during my presentation which will appear to be completely wrong one year later (it sometimes happens in this industry, isn’t it?)
JVD: The status of a single gas market?
Tell us a little known fact about yourself.
JA: I will keep the mystery…
JVD: How difficult it is to drive with my gas-motor car (CNG) to the Netherlands.
Involvement at Flame 2012
Jean Abiteboul will be speaking at Flame 2012 on Wednesday April 18th, in a session exploring US Gas Export.
Jan von Drathen is speaking at Flame 2012 on Tuesday April 17th, presenting a case study on The Symbiosis Of Renewables And Gas Energy Production
For more information on Flame 2012, visit the event website by clicking here