ADIPEC 2016 Panel Sessions to Address Research and Technology, Operational Efficiency, and Investment Challenges and Opportunities

Natural Gas Fastest Growing Fossil Fuel Globally, with 50% Increase in Consumption by 2040: World Energy Outlook

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 12 October 2016 – Oil and gas companies must demonstrate agility in their approach to business and adapt to a rapidly evolving supply mix by staying ahead of the curve when it comes to industry technology and innovation, urge UAE experts.

Speaking ahead of his participation in the upcoming Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC 2016) in November, Ali Al-Janabi, Shell Abu Dhabi VP and Chairman, said that while fossil fuels will continue to lead the global energy mix, a changing energy landscape makes it imperative that the oil and gas community adopts effective transitional strategies both on and off the field.

“There is no doubt that fossil fuels will continue to be a dominant source of energy over the next two decades, however we will definitely continue to see considerable changes in the energy mix,” said Al-Janabi.

“As the oil and gas community looks for ways to reduce CO2 emissions, high carbon emitting sources, such as coal, may see a sharp decline, while other, cleaner sources of energy, such as natural gas, will play an increasingly important role.”

“This evolving energy landscape will shape where investments are being made going forward. As a knowledge-sharing platform that brings the world’s leading experts under one roof, ADIPEC will enable stakeholders within the petroleum industry to identify opportunities in line with this global shift towards more sustainable energy resources,” Mr Al-Janabi added.

According to the 2015 World Energy Outlook, natural gas is expected to be the fastest growing fossil fuel, with a 50% increase in consumption by 2040. The Middle East and China will be the main centres of gas demand growth, both becoming larger consumers than the European Union.

The report also indicates that one-fifth of the projected rise in global demand consists of gas transported over long distances via very capital- intensive pipeline or LNG projects.

Keeping the costs of such projects at bay will be vital to the future competitive positioning of both oil and gas, say experts.

“At Total we are committed to better energy, and this means deploying sustainable strategies – from producing oil at low cost to exploring new applications of natural gas – as part of our ongoing efforts to meet the world’s growing energy needs while preserving the environment and minimising our carbon footprint,” said Hatem Nuseibeh, President of Total E&P UAE, Group Representative in the UAE, and co-chair of one of the key Panel Sessions at ADIPEC 2016.

“ADIPEC enables stakeholders to stay abreast of the latest industry developments and best practice by bringing all major international and national players in the oil and gas business under one roof to meet and share their ideas and vision for the future of energy.”

ADIPEC has once again partnered with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) for the 2016 edition of the distinguished Conference Programme, which will bring more than 800 expert speakers to the stage to cover 162 sessions on technical and non-technical industry topics.

As part of the ADIPEC 2016 Conference Programme, 8 Panel Sessions will address topics critical to the development of the oil and gas industry:

Research and Technology as a Transitional Strategy
Next Generation Leaders in a Changing World
The Resilience of the Oil and Gas Industry in the Future Global Outlook
The Future of Natural Gas in a More Environmentally Friendly World
Operational Excellence and Efficiency
The Impact of Petroleum Industry on the World Economy
HSE and Risk Management Technology
Investment Challenges in Current Market Conditions
The programme will also feature three Global Business Leader sessions, inviting CEOs of the world’s oil and gas giants to offer a world outlook on the oil industry, shed light on the emerging role of gas and LNG in supplying world energy needs, and offer their expert insights on implementing effective leadership strategies.

Confirmed speakers include Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of Total; Bob Dudley, CEO of BP; Alexander Medvedev, Deputy Chairman, Management Committee, Gazprom; Vicki A. Hollub, President and CEO of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, President and CEO, Qatar Petroleum; Claudio Descalzi, CEO, ENI; and Mario Mehren, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, Wintershall.

Established as the world’s most influential oil and gas exhibition and conference, ADIPEC has a longstanding track record of bringing together globally celebrated luminaries and experts to discuss challenges and opportunities in the energy sector. The annual four-day event will take place from 7-10 November 2016 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.