IGRC2027 Budapest Podcast

Episode 5

Today’s episode focuses on methane emissions, one of the most critical and complex challenges of the energy transition Together, we are discussing emissions measurement and verification, lessons from real biogas sites, and how policy and markets must evolve beyond technology alone. We are also talking about the EU Methane Regulation and it’s implementation, particularly when it comes to import requirements

In this Episode 5 of the IGRC2027 Podcast, we explore these questions with our distinguished guest, Dr. Mariak Olczak, researcher at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, working at the intersection of methane emissions management, renewable gases, and energy policy.

Key topics we cover:

• Limited policy coverage and the regulatory challenges of methane

• Measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) gaps and barriers

• Insights from real-world operational data at biogas plants

• Biogas and biomethane as climate solutions—or risks

• Responsible scaling of biomethane production

• Cross-sector learning between oil & gas and biogas

• Future priorities for policy and research

Episode 4

How is the new space race reshaping technology, energy demand, and international cooperation? What economic opportunities and regulatory challenges arise as space exploration accelerates?

In the latest episode of the IGRC 2027 podcast, we explore these questions with our distinguished guest: Dr. Zsófia Bíró, space policy expert and lawyer specialized in energy and finance, currently working at the University of Pécs in Hungary.

Key topics we cover: 

• Who are the key players in the new space race, and what economic opportunities could space exploration create?

• What international legal frameworks regulate space activities and resource use?

• Why is methane emerging as a key rocket fuel, and could space travel drive future methane demand?

• Which other gases — such as hydrogen and helium-3 — may play an important role in the space economy?

Episode 3

Energy Markets, Innovation, and Sustainability

How has the European gas market evolved in recent years? What challenges and opportunities lie ahead for sustainable energy production? In the latest episode of the IGRC 2027 podcast, we dive deep into these questions with a special guest: Natasha Fielding, Head of European Gas, Global LNG & Biomass Editorial at Argus Media.

Key topics include:

• Why have European gas prices remained high and volatile post-2022?

• How has the EU's gas storage regulation impacted market dynamics?

• The role of LNG vs. pipeline gas – is Europe facing a structural shift?

• What could potential changes in US and Chinese trade policies mean for global LNG flows?

• Future gas supply – will the US and Qatar’s LNG expansion reshape Europe's energy landscape?

Episode 2

Renewable Gases and the Evolving Gas Industry

In the newest episode of the IGRC2027 podcast, the moderator Tamás Pletser, Oil and Gas Analyst at Erste Bank engages in an insightful conversation with Jan Haizmann, Secretary General of the Zero Emission Trader Alliance. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of renewable gases and the rapidly changing European energy market.

Key topics include:

• The role of biomethane and green hydrogen in the energy mix, including regulatory hurdles and market incentives.

• Strategic discussions on the best usage of renewable gases: local consumption vs. grid injection.

• The impact of the 2022 energy crisis and the evolving contractual frameworks for energy traders.

• Insights on Turkey’s potential to become a competitive trading hub and the complexities of subsidized pricing models.

With rising interest in renewable gases and the need for innovative solutions, this episode is a must-listen for industry leaders and energy enthusiasts alike.

Episode 1

The first episode of the IGRC2027 podcast is now live! We’re excited to share insights from our guests as we explore the future, challenges, and opportunities of the international gas industry.

In this episode, we cover critical topics including:

• What does IGRC2027 mean for MVM CEEnergy, Hungary, and the Central European region?

• How does IGU support the sustainable development of the gas industry and its role in the global energy landscape?

• What changes have impacted natural gas supply in recent years?

• Energy dependency and supply security – how do these developments support our national energy sector?

Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll continue to discuss the latest topics in the energy market and gas industry.