Strategic Conference Programme

Opening Ceremony

2 hr

Session Location: ICC Hall

By invitation only.

Fast Tracking the Energy Transition: innovative new policies and a more inclusive approach  

Achieving mid-century net zero emissions requires extensive commitments and policy initiatives by governments. It also requires a holistic approach that brings together energy producer, major emitters, and policy-makers.

Only with innovative new policies and an inclusive approach can the world urgently accelerate the energy transition in an orderly, just and equitable way that secures energy supply and meets emissions goals. All governments across the world will need to deploy more groundbreaking policies to promote innovations, drive collaboration and investments needed to facilitate the commitment to a low carbon future by holding back emissions and not economic progress. They also need to have an honest conversation about what it will take to deliver a responsible and just transition where no one is left behind.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Navigating energy and geopolitics in the new world order

Ministerial Panel

Session Location: ICC Hall

Energy security remains a global concern; global trading patterns have changed; and a different supply map is emerging with new bilateral agreements in place whilst governments are dealing with the issues of security and sustainability. Events in Europe will leave their mark for decades to come, with the US supplying energy to Europe, and Russia re-routing its supplies to the East. Without a doubt, we are witnessing a major energy market transformation and the beginnings of a new energy system, with the acceleration of policies, such as the US’ Inflation Reduction Act and Europe’s Green Deal.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Actions for a net-zero world: solving the current energy trilemma

Strategic Panel

Session Location: ICC Hall

A net-zero world will see multiple energy sources being integrated, at the same time as the emergence of global markets in Asia and the Middle East. Creating a cost-competitive portfolio will require a multitude of strategies and creative solutions, where major companies must prepare to meet investor and consumer expectations and deliver net-zero pledges. Companies will also need to create resilient workforces as well as secure the finance and investment needed to build successful new operating models. As the industry moves from net-zero pledges to decisive actions, what does it need to do to ensure sustainable, secure and affordable energy, while continuing to create shareholder value?

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Maintaining a stable global energy market

Energy Talk

Session Location: Conference Hall B

With external geopolitical factors impacting the global energy landscape, a greater focus on stability and security of supply is needed by OPEC and OPEC+ countries, which control 80.4% of the world’s proven oil reserves. In this Energy Talk, His Excellency Suhail Mohamed AI Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, United Arab Emirates, will discuss the energy market’s future stability, the role of OPEC and OPEC+ in securing energy supply for the year ahead, and how the UAE’s future energy markets are evolving.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

The reinvention of new asset and portfolio models: the renaissance of resilience

Strategic Panel

Session Location: ICC Hall

With pressures to decarbonise, amplified market volatility, rising inflation and evolving regulatory policies, business resilience continues to be tested. In order to build robust business models for the net zero journey, companies must anticipate future opportunities as well as redesign their operations to build greater competitive advantage while advancing a just and equitable transition. These new business and operating models must incorporate technological advances, skills evolution and new asset portfolio choices that will equip them for future success in a decarbonised world.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Changing the energy transition narrative - balancing energy security, affordability, policy and action to deliver an orderly and pragmatic transition

Energy Talk

Session Location: Conference Hall B

In October 2022, Saudi Aramco launched a $1.5 billion fund designed to support an inclusive and realistic energy transition, with an ambition to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions across its own assets and operations by 2050. The Saudi Aramco vision is to tackle the increasing energy demands of a growing global population with parallel investment efforts in both alternative and conventional resources, as well as advanced technology solutions, balancing the goals of transition with the necessities of immediate and mid-term energy security. In this Energy Talk, Ashraf Al Ghazzawi, EVP, Strategy & Corporate Development of the world’s largest energy company will discuss his own commitment to leverage Saudi Aramco’s vast resources and capabilities towards evolving the global transition plan, by fostering constructive industry wide collaboration to build a lower carbon economy.infrastructure and clean energy solutions. Simultaneously, as part of OPEC, the Kingdom continues to play its role in a balanced energy market.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Gaining consensus on accelerated decarbonisation in an increasingly fragmented world

Energy Talk

Session Location: Conference Hall B

The geopolitical events of 2022 crystalised the importance of addressing energy security, transition and affordability collectively. As memberships to international institutions and groups become increasingly fluid, a coherent strategy is required to galvanise a unified approach to achieving Paris climate goals. In this Energy Talk, renowned physicist and former Energy Secretary Dr Ernest Moniz will draw on his extensive experience bridging both politics and science to set out his vision for renewed global cooperation on climate goals.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Transforming upstream operations to secure lower carbon value chains

Strategic Panel

Session Location: ICC Hall

If energy companies are to meet the need for more energy with lower carbon emissions and navigate through constant market volatility, a transformation of the industry’s upstream operations are required. New investment, technology and optimisation of operations can help solve some of the biggest challenges to thriving in the near-term, and create bold change for future success. Technologies such as electrification, CCUS, emissions detection and management and other climate technology solutions can support companies in accelerating their lower-carbon strategies and creating new market opportunities for growth.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

The importance of gas markets: energy security and affordable energy solutions for all

Energy Talk

Session Location: Conference Hall B

Europe continues to deal with the challenges of gas and LNG supply security whilst simultaneously implementing green policies to diversify energy sources towards a cleaner and faster energy transition. IECs and major exporting countries have an opportunity to supply vast quantities of gas and LNG to Europe with TotalEnergies the second largest private global LNG player and which continues to invest in new assets to explore these resources. Patrick Pouyanné, the Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, will discuss TotalEnergies’ strategies and expansion plans, the commitments of net-zero and energy supply, and major opportunities in today’s gas and LNG markets.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

De-globalisation and poly-crisis: the decade’s new reality?

Energy Talk

Session Location: Conference Hall B

The terms poly-crisis and de-globalisation have come to define the geo-political landscape in 2023. The poly-crisis refers to the simultaneous challenges of global inflation, soaring energy costs, geopolitical events in Europe, the refugee crisis, food insecurity and the climate crisis. At the same time deglobalisation, can be interpreted as a response to the poly-crisis as governments around the world become more focused on their own security and self-reliance. In his Energy Talk, Hadi Hallouche, Chief Executive of Puma Energy will explore the risks and opportunities presented by these combined trends on emerging markets.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

The ever-changing landscape of the downstream industry: demand vs. decarbonisation of value chains

Strategic Panel

Session Location: ICC Hall

With public and investor concerns over how the energy industry is reducing emissions and setting goals for net-zero targets, coupled with the full decarbonisation of value chains and immediate reduction of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, the downstream industry is faced with challenges that cannot be overlooked in the short or long-term. Electrification, improving energy efficiency and developing CCUS can help mitigate some of these issues and investments are being made to incorporate this, but a long road ahead remains until full emissions mitigation is completed. Is collaboration and integration with industry and upstream the key to faster decarbonisation of petrochemicals and refinery operations and how will these new partnerships impact investments in products, margin optimisation and meeting customer demand?

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

A sustainable future for water and power in the Gulf

Energy Talk

Session Location: Conference Hall B

Water and energy are inextricably linked. The production of thermal energy requires significant volumes of water for cooling and for steam turbines. Similarly, the production of potable water in the UAE and other water-constrained Gulf nations is an energy-intensive process. This intricate interplay requires sustainable practices and innovative solutions that can minimise the energy industry’s water footprint, while lowering the water sector’s energy intensity.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

The road to COP28: climate, sustainability and an equitable transition

Ministerial Panel

Session Location: ICC Hall

COP28 will be pivotal in advancing the global climate dialogue, providing a call to action to all sectors to act together, create partnerships, and find clear and viable solutions to tackle climate change. Global energy leaders will have to balance the challenges of achieving net-zero targets by 2050 with the need for short-term energy security and affordability, highlighting the growing importance of the Global South in a more equitable and just transition. This ambition must now accommodate the challenges of recent months to the existing energy system.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

The role of policy in the fight against climate change: insights into the US and EU

Leadership Perspectives on energy policy

Session Location: Conference Hall B

New policies, such as the US Inflation Reduction Act, a huge investment bill pouring billions of dollars into producing US-made clean energy and technology and the EU’s Green Deal, a set of proposals to govern the EU’s climate, energy, transport and taxation policies, have shaken coinfidence in global competitiveness and related policy towards international trade. What impact will these and other clean energy policies have on future energy markets and the journey to Net Zero in an increasingly protectionist world?

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Success stories of transition and effective leadership

Energy Talk

Session Location: Conference Hall B

Vicky Hollub, CEO of Oxy, is at the helm of a growing and thriving company has announced many industry collaborations and is leading in CCUS and DAC through its partnership with Carbon Engineering. In addition to prioritising sustainability, Ms. Hollub advocates for policies to bridge the gender gap and unconscious bias.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

How to fast track finance and prioritise investments for the energy transition

Strategic Panel

Session Location: ICC Hall

If the world wants to keep its 2050 net-zero goals on track, substantial amounts of investment will be required. Companies will need to invest in clean energy projects across industry sectors, and have a smart, consistent investment strategy, which ensures returnable profits, delivers the industry’s ambition of net-zero and meets ESG expectations. In addition, sustainable green finance must progress, particularly in developing countries, where investments in hydrocarbon projects still support the national economy and provide access to electricity, power and other much needed resources to the population.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Reducing indirect emissions through value chain decarbonisation

Leadership Perspectives on energy policy

Session Location: Conference Hall B

Whilst emissions management for Scope 1 and 2 are more straightforward to track, those of Scope 3 are challenging as they require further data, sectorial collaboration and criteria clarification. Effective cross-sector partnerships are crucial in reducing indirect emissions, as they gather a broader range of expert knowledge, measurement tools, and resources. Ultimately, full value chain decarbonisation will become even more a part of company and government targets and policies, so organisations need to start tackling these issues by investing in the right technologies and processes and taking definitive actions to measure them.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Cross-sector partnerships: overcoming barriers to reduce emissions

Strategic Panel

Session Location: ICC Hall

Reducing emissions is one of the toughest challenges for fossil fuel companies, and across many other industries, in particular, heavy industry sectors, which require further technology and investment for their decarbonisation. These industries cannot meet ambitious climate goals without further emissions reductions, clearly illustrating the importance of cross-sector partnerships to achieve this common goal. However, high material costs, carbon taxing and a lack of infrastructure developments may create challenges that would mean that even with the right alliances and collaboration in place, a full value chain decarbonisation would still not be possible in the timeframes agreed.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

The realities of Africa’s energy transition

Energy Talk

Session Location: Conference Hall B

Africa’s energy transition is not developing at the same pace as the rest of the world. African economies still rely heavily on hydrocarbon production and focus primarily on delivering energy security for all and ending poverty. The development of resources is fundamental for prosperity and growth across the continent, securing international investment is critical, and partnerships continue to be at the core of Africa’s energy business.

Attendee insights:

In this Energy Talk leaders from NOCs across the continent will discuss Africa’s energy transition journey, and the role of NOCs in delivering energy security, future expansion plans and opportunities.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

India’s energy industry: from diversification to economic growth

Energy Talk

Session Location: Conference Hall B

In 2023, India became the world’s most populous nation, and it is the third-largest energy consumer. As such, the country has been going through a revamp of its energy policies by diversifying its supply sources and moving towards alternative fuels. Whilst the energy transition is key for the country’s future development, there is also a commitment to ensure security of supply, affordability and easy access of resources to assure growth today.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Gas and LNG: driving energy security and sustainability goals

Strategic Panel

Session Location: ICC Hall

Natural gas and LNG will play an increasingly important role in the energy transition as the industry continues to move towards lower carbon fuels and cleaner energy solutions. Energy security will have a critical role in the future of this fuel as governments prioritise gas and LNG imports to ensure stable supplies that can also be used as a lower carbon fuel in hard-to-electrify industries. In Asian markets, specifically in Japan and China, gas and LNG consumption will likely continue to increase, meaning higher competition for supply between Europe and Asia.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

How upstream producers are decarbonising operations

Leadership Perspectives on decarbonisation

Session Location: Conference Hall B

To accelerate the pathway to the energy transition oil and gas operators are increasingly focussed on the abatement of emissions during the extraction and production process through the deployment of low carbon technologies, methane detection equipment, carbon capture, utilisation and storage technology, and flaring reduction strategies. To drive the decarbonisation process further producers will need to initiate a broad variety of solutions, leverage climate technologies and embrace new business partnerships. In so doing they will be able to optimise operational practices and harness large energy efficiency gains. By leveraging data and AI, analytics facilitate work with business partners across an extended value chain and accelerate the implementation of new technologies and better practices to drive decarbonisation. in addition, investment will need to be reallocated into R&D supporting the development of decarbonisation solutions with active collaboration across research institutions, industry associations and government agencies.

Attendee insights:

Understand the changing face of the upstream sector and how technology and new ways or working are supporting rapid decarbonisation in the exploration and production space.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Decarbonising energy systems with sustainable fuels: where, how and when?

Strategic Panel

Session Location: ICC Hall

Industry forecasts expect demand for sustainable fuels to increase as transportation sectors such as aviation, shipping and automotive require them to decarbonise. Investment and attractive regulatory frameworks are needed to incentivise their development both in terms of technology and consumer demand. Technology is advancing, but how quickly and at what cost can it be deployed? Meanwhile, cross-sector collaboration is increasing, facilitating partnerships for investment and developments. The benefits in the long-term are vast. However, there is still a long way to go for these fuels to become preeminent.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Tackling methane emissions: where are we now and where do we need to be?

Leadership Perspectives on energy policy

Session Location: Conference Hall B

The Global Methane Pledge is a collective effort to reduce global methane emissions by 2030 by a minimum of 30% from 2020 levels. But, what progress have industries made to date? Whilst it is clear the industry is heavily investing in technologies and infrastructure to cut emissions, there is however, a need for more monitoring, reporting and, verification to ensure the world is on track to keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5°C.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Expanding Egypt's energy sector - Delivering a sustainable blueprint to meet growing demand for low carbon energy

Energy Talk

Session Location: Conference Hall B

Egypt, a key energy player in the Middle East and North Africa region, has been making significant strides towards reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.

Attendee insights:

In this Energy Talk, His Excellency Tarek El Molla, Egypt's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources will discuss the country's goals, challenges, and innovative approaches to addressing climate change while meeting growing energy demand.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Scaling up technology for an efficient and sustainable transition

Strategic Panel

Session Location: ICC Hall

Technology is one of the key enablers of the energy transition, supporting industries, businesses and governments to decarbonise operations and find efficient solutions to mitigate emissions and improve performance across value chains. Lower carbon technology solutions for storage, CCUS, hydrogen, methane emissions and electrification, are being developed globally, but still require sufficient infrastructure along with the regulatory frameworks that will really accelerate widespread deployment. How can digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things, AI, big data and blockchain create solutions and efficient platforms for companies to increase energy efficiency and adopt an integrated system to help improve operations and create new business models to deliver on climate goals?

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Trade and supply chains: rethinking strategies for energy security and an effective transition

Strategic Panel

Session Location: ICC Hall

In recent years, markets have experienced extreme volatility affecting the energy and commodities sectors. Whilst trade facilitates the export of goods and services critical for businesses and societies, secure and resilient supply chains are essential for an effective transition. Global standards to support innovation and create diversity will boost demand, lower costs, encourage greater flexibility and incentivise innovation within the industry.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Finance and investment landscape: top considerations to watch out for

Energy Talk

Session Location: Conference Hall B

The finance and investment community has encountered similar challenges to those faced by the energy industry. This year, inflation, geopolitical tensions and extreme climate events have affected investment decisions. Meanwhile, ESG continues to influence financial institutions on investments in both oil and gas and clean energy opportunities.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

How can AI support a clean energy transition?

Energy Talk

Session Location: Conference Hall B

Artificial intelligence can deliver transformative progress for governments and enterprises on strategic issues ranging from defence to decarbonisation to the energy trilemma: security, sustainability, and affordability. AI can support a nearly limitless range of related use cases: operational improvements, energy efficiency, acceleration of technology adoption, upskilling people. Given the power of these new tools, it is essential to adopt responsible software solutions founded on principles of safety and governance, especially for regulated industries such as energy and the energy transition.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.

Youth: the leaders of tomorrow

Energy Talk

Session Location: Conference Hall B

Embracing youth perspectives in today’s energy and climate change strategies can provide fresh ideas and solutions. It will also deliver a greater voice to young people and engage them in an industry young talent are often reluctant to join, due to negative perceptions of the sector’s climate impact and sustainability efforts.

Please note speakers for this session will be announced soon.