Day 1 - Monday 2 June
Opening Session | 16:00 - 18:00
Leadership Interview
Moderator:
Speaker:
Navigating change: Geosciences shaping a sustainable future
Over the next decade, the energy market is expected to shift significantly toward renewable sources, driven by global climate ambitions, societal shifts and technological advancements. Despite the decline of oil and gas in the energy mix, geoscientists are still expected to have a crucial role in shaping the future of energy through their understanding of the earth and efficient utilisation of its resources. Our panel of energy experts will explore the future energy landscape addressing the economics, technology, geopolitics and societal attitudes which will dominate the next decade.
Day 2 - Tuesday 3 June
(Room Strauss 2-3)
Role of technologies to accelerate project turn-around
Investment in oil and gas technology has decreased over the past decade. Despite this downward trend we now see a high demand for technological solutions to achieve innovation gains and reduce turnaround time for renewables and exploration projects. We all now recognise the potential of AI to drive step changes in operations and workflows while improving cost and sustainability. What are other current and emerging technologies that can create opportunities for game-changing innovation? We will also discuss current approaches to R&D investment and the innovations needed to support the technology required to meet increased energy demand.
Responsible exploration - Faster, cleaner, cheaper
The energy transition is set to influence approaches to exploration and production in the coming decades. Oil and gas companies are increasingly adapting their strategies to prioritise faster and more cost-effective field development in the coming decades. This panel will focus on the new ways in which these companies are approaching exploration and development projects to accelerate time-to-market and develop low-cost and low emission oil projects. Progress will depend to some extent on collaboration with service sectors such as seismic which has its own challenges, an important issue in the discussion.
Senior Executive Manager’s Lunch (Invitation Only)
Are geosciences equipped for the energy transition?
The energy industry faces ambitious timelines in reducing emissions and decarbonizing energy systems to limit global warming and meet the targets set by the Paris Climate Agreement. Geosciences have the potential to play a critical role in the energy transition but risk lagging behind other faster-evolving renewable technologies as capital is deployed to scale solutions quickly. Can geoscience disciplines remain relevant and what role will they play in shaping future energy systems? How can we transform the image of geosciences to attract the talent needed and are we aiming high enough?
Day 3 - Wednesday 4 June
(Room Strauss 2-3)
Reshaped service industry and impact on market (Senior Executive Managers’ Breakfast)
The oil and gas service industry has seen significant consolidation over the past decade. The ecosystem of energy players is also evolving due to energy transition, as service companies trend towards renewables and diversifying their businesses into new markets to protect against future industry downturns. These changes in the service supplier landscape create risks for future operations and energy supply. We will bring together leaders from operators and service companies to discuss the transformations and commitments needed to ensure a robust and resilient energy technology ecosystem. We will also explore the need for innovations in our business models and relationships to better address the future energy challenges.
Justifying technology investments
Justifying technology investments is increasingly difficult in the high value environment of today’s energy landscape. Risk aversion often clashes with the need for rapid deployment, innovation, and large-scale projects to drive real value. The traditional conservative mindset, coupled with an emphasis on HSE compliance, can slow adoption of potentially transformative technologies. Despite rising demands, investment in research and development (R&D) has declined, pushing companies to evaluate smaller projects critically. Balancing the “fail fast” approach with high-value returns requires strategic R&D approaches and a re-evaluation of what defines a “good” investment in this evolving landscape.
The future of energy - Where are we heading?
The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecast oil demand will peak around 2030. However, analysts expect hydrocarbons to play a part in the future energy mix for decades to come, especially in those industry sectors where as yet there is no obvious alternative to fossil fuel utilisation. Just how rapidly developing countries where basic electrification still remains problematic can transition from oil, gas and coal is another major issue in future energy scenarios. How companies will adapt to the changing energy landscape, i.e., meeting unspecified future demand for oil and gas and energy security while making the pivot to low-carbon energy solutions. Will new business models evolve, will incremental change be sufficient, will stakeholders support change, how far will governments intervene. These are the questions to be discussed by our panel.
Day 4 - Thursday 5 June
(Room Strauss 2-3)
Fueling energy innovation through diverse perspectives (organised by EAGE Women in Geosciences community)
The oil and gas industry faces significant challenges in rethinking traditional business models to meet the demands of the energy transition. By involving voices from different backgrounds, including gender, culture, and expertise, the industry can approach problems with fresh insights, identify overlooked opportunities, and design solutions that are inclusive and more adaptable. Our panellists will explore the value of diversity beyond aspects of social equality. Can diversity truly increase creativity and resilience, leading to stronger business outcomes and technological breakthroughs? And how can more inclusive approaches help us in tackling complex energy challenges and accelerating the transition.
Geoscience skills shortage - a threat for energy transition? (organised by EAGE Young Professional’s community)
Geoscience professionals support subsurface exploration and management, vital for clean energy initiatives. However, some western countries are experiencing a workforce gap as fewer young professionals enter the field, posing risks to long-term energy transition goals. Addressing this requires targeted investment in education and training to sustain the expertise needed for a resilient net-zero strategy. We also need to address the image of the industry and its attractiveness to a new generation who are concerned with climate change.
Impact of AI on future ways of working
AI has reshaped decision-making in the oil and gas industry, making it faster, more connected, and data-driven than ever before. Beyond technology, though, the real transformation lies in adapting business models to align with the energy transition and evolving leadership styles that leverage diverse data streams and citizenship development. These shifts require new, forward-thinking approaches to how companies operate, pushing for agility in an industry known for its conservative pace. Embracing this digital shift not only demands innovation in technology but also bold ideas in how businesses redefine value and leadership for a sustainable future.
Strategic Programme Sponsor
