LONDON, February 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- One of Europe's leading champions of science, Professor Brian Cox OBE (http://www.gastech.co.uk/conf-day-1-morning/inspirational-speaker/), will deliver an inspirational keynote address on Monday 21st March at a major international gas conference (http://www.gastech.co.uk/) where he will discuss the crucial role science has to play in solving our global energy challenges. As the worldwide need for cleaner, more efficient energy continues to grow - while governments also aim to address the issue of rising CO2 emissions - the conference welcomes Prof. Cox to discuss why innovations in technology & research and investment in future scientists will help solve these key challenges.

The Gastech 2011 conference & exhibition (http://www.gastech.co.uk/), hosted by Shell, takes place in Amsterdam on the 21-24 March, and will welcome thousands of international thought-leaders working in gas. As the cleanest burning fossil fuel, with up to 70 per cent fewer CO2 emissions than coal, gas is seen by many governments and industries as a solution to the growing need to reduce our carbon impact on the planet. Prof. Cox will use the platform in Amsterdam to deliver the message that the planet needs clean, efficient energy and that the best way of achieving this will be through increased investment in new technology, advancing research, and in the development of the next generation of scientists.

Prof. Cox - whose latest series "Wonders of the Universe" hits BBC television in March - will deliver his inspirational address after a unique platform of gas leaders and government representatives debate the key question of the role of gas in the future energy mix. The Gastech conference is globally recognised for its senior level of participating speakers, and major companies being represented at the highest levels will include: Shell, ExxonMobil, BP, Gazprom, Qatargas, Tokyo Gas, Chevron and E.ON.