On November 15–16, the Office of Fossil Energy participated in the 17^th annual U.S.-China Oil and Gas Industry Forum (OGIF), held in Ningbo, China.

Led by government leaders from both nations, the OGIF is designed to foster conversation and engagement between the United States and China on issues facing the oil and gas industry in both the private and public sectors. China’s National Energy Administration hosted this year’s OGIF, while U.S. officials from the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Commerce, and the Trade and Development Agency attended and spoke at the event.

The Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Oil and Natural Gas, Rob Smith, led the DOE delegation, which included Sam Beatty and Rachel Halpern, as well as staff from the United States Energy Association. This year’s forum focused on the prospects for increased natural gas production and consumption in China and the potential for increased imports of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG). Topics discussed included government policy; implementation of U.S. oil and gas technologies in China; involvement of U.S. industry in the development of Chinese oil and gas markets; future forecasts for petroleum supply and demand at national and international levels; and more. Learn more about the forum’s work and past events on the OGIF’s website.

During this year’s forum, Acting DAS Smith gave a presentation on U.S. regulation of natural gas exports and delivered the opening and closing remarks for the U.S. delegation. This presentation included information on DOE’s role in regulating the U.S. natural gas trade under authority granted by the Natural Gas Act. In addition, Acting DAS Smith spoke on natural gas resources in the United States, as well as projected consumption, production, and pricing. He also gave an overview of approved LNG projects in the United States and current and proposed LNG export terminals throughout North America.