LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLES

With COP26 taking place at the beginning of November, the world gathers to listen to leaders’ messages on how they are combining their efforts to tackle the continuing climate emergency and how governments, industry and citizens can work together to make a real difference for the planet. Energy is one of the central industries spearheading this transformation. Companies are accelerating their commitment to green business models and new technologies that deliver net-zero emissions. More than ever before the energy industry will rely on government and cross industry collaboration to deliver the full climate impact. As we continue this journey, this Leadership Roundtable will gather global energy Ministers to discuss COP26’s key takeaways and the road ahead to ensure a sustainable and resilient future.

Attendee insights:

Understanding this fundamental pivot and acting towards climate change is one of the biggest responsibilities for leaders worldwide. This Ministerial Roundtable invites attendees to share their messages, strategies, cross industry initiatives and pledges to continue their sustainability agenda and plan the road ahead for COP27.

OPEC and OPEC+ have and are playing a key role in balancing energy markets which has heavily supported the global oil industry against the enormous challenges 2020 brought, affecting supply and demand dynamics and peak investment; how to balance investment asset creation will rely on a healthy and balanced oil industry, consequently translating into the revival of many global economies.

Meeting global energy demand and ensuring the world has affordable, reliable and sustainable energy is a global responsibility; meeting the world’s decarbonisation targets requires a joint approach from all industries and provides the solution to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Attendee insights:

The oil and gas industry understands the important role it plays in meeting the world’s net-zero goals and is committed to transform, reinvent and take the necessary actions towards sustainable development. A must-attend session for attendees looking to understand how OPEC and non-OPEC members are creating a balanced energy industry whilst supporting the UNFCCC’s principles and common goals.

Oil and gas companies are taking different pathways to address the challenge of getting to net-zero emissions. Some are focusing on becoming broad energy companies, some on carbon management and others on developing new low carbon technologies – but can the industry really survive in a low carbon world? Following on from discussions at COP26, CEOs will discuss how their strategies are evolving, the changing perspectives of shareholders and the policies that would help them to accelerate their transition, and more specifically:

• Can oil and gas companies transform themselves while still investing in new production?
• Will the energy transition be driven primarily by changes in supply or demand?
• Should oil and gas companies sell high carbon assets as part of the energy transition?
• Which assets are most at risk of becoming stranded – and how can companies avoid it?

Attendee insights:

Attendees will be able to explore the many strategies and solutions available to fast track their decarbonisation strategies, what bottlenecks need to be overcome and the urgent need to operate efficiently, sustainably, delivering value across portfolios and future investments.

According to industry experts, transportation is responsible for 24% of direct CO2 emissions from fuel combustion; a pivotal step change is needed in redesigning this ecosystem, helping reduce emissions and building a conscious approach from governments, citizens, energy and transportation sectors. Lockdown resulted in a behavioural change as society altered its routine and citizens stopped commuting and travelling, resulting in a fuel demand decline and highlighting that action needs to be implemented to support the energy transition. Technologies, business models and new fuels are being developed which can help reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. However, how can policy and investment support fast track its implementation? What are the fuels of the future? What does the future hold for fossil fuels, renewables, hydrogen, nuclear and coal? What role will these sources of energy play in the energy mix of the future? How to fast track transition in mobility? What role will EVs play in the mix?

Attendee insights:

A key roundtable session for attendees looking to understand the changing dynamics of the transportation sector and what the future of energy will be; including the hydrogen revolution, the growing role of EVs and what the role of fossil fuels in mobility will be.

The shipping industry is under immense pressure to decarbonise its operations and meet the IMO requirements to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. What are the future industry strategies to reduce shipping carbon intensity by 40% by 2030 and GHG by 50% by 2050? How quickly can the industry decarbonise? What technologies are needed to achieve carbon neutrality in the offshore and marine sector? What are the fuels of the future for the shipping industry?

Attendee insights

A must-attend roundtable for attendees looking to understand strategies, approaches and best technologies to decarbonise the shipping industry and how the industry is meeting the IMO’s requirements.

ESG has increased in importance in recent years; today it is a key factor, as investors apply its criteria to measure companies on their sustainability strategies. On the other hand, Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) is a more niche term, where investors make their investments based on the type of business a company operates. Whereas ESG is more widely used, SRI has been growing in popularity, making companies aware of their impact and changing the way they operate.

Managing risks and opportunities related to climate change, sustainability and environment; ensuring a higher level of transparency and disclosure are crucial for investors.

Attendee insights:

For attendees looking to understand how to drive their ESG and SRI investment agendas and leverage new opportunities. In this session we will address how to manage the risks, rewards and stakeholder requirements to continue investing responsibly towards a successful energy transition.

The concept of circular economy has been gaining momentum within several industries globally as it supports companies’ decarbonisation strategies and provides greater access and longevity to resources. Collaboration, R&D, investment, and innovations will enable efficient circular economy strategies and support change in the energy industry. What does circular economy means in energy and what benefits can be provided to companies that fully leverage its opportunities? How important is the role of sector coupling in a circular economy? How can governments support the development of a circular economy in energy? How can companies plan an efficient circular economy strategy? How to make materials a more sustainable and recyclable resource?

Attendee insights:

This strategic leadership roundtable will provide attendees with insights on how to develop a successful circular economy strategy, what opportunities are available for collaboration, what new innovations are being developed and the important role this concept plays in the world’s sustainability agenda.

The energy industry is evolving and marketplace trends are changing. Companies are transforming their digital strategies in response, repositioning to leverage the value that new technologies offer. At the same time, the pandemic underscored the importance of securing business assets. The need for cutting-edge technology that facilitates digital transformation while addressing vulnerabilities and reducing cyber-related risks is clear. How can digital transformation help companies avoid disruptions? As energy companies evolve, what role do technology and digital solutions play in optimising operations, enhancing efficiency and profitability, and supporting the net-zero journey? Industrial cybersecurity is a top priority for companies, governments and industries alike. What are the challenges and solutions for elevating cybersecurity with modern technologies in the OT domain?

Attendee insights:

A must-attend roundtable for attendees who would like a better understanding of the digital transformation in energy, how to protect their businesses against cybersecurity threats, how vulnerable the energy industry can be and what the best digital defence mechanisms are for a post pandemic world.

The role of technology and digitalisation has taken a new meaning as now more than ever, cutting-edge innovations can support energy companies in improving performance, offering them value creation and business competitiveness. Furthermore, innovation is a key driver for the energy transition, improving energy efficiency, optimising energy management, reducing costs and supporting companies as they decarbonise their operations. Requirements to meet climate targets are urging organisations to fast track new technology development, creating new industry partnerships and transforming their value chains to incorporate this unprecedented disruption and positive evolution. This digital acceleration requires workers to embrace this new way of working, unlocking its benefits and opening new opportunities for the creation of an agile and digitally savvy workforce. How to fully leverage technology innovation? How can innovation disrupt and create new organisational business models? How does digitalisation apply through different sectors? How to reskill today’s workforce to adopt these new technologies? What investment does the industry need to fast track technology development? How is digitalisation impacting the energy transition? What technologies are best to support net-zero operations?

Attendee insights:

Attendees will gather insights about how digitalisation, innovation and cross-sector partnerships are fundamental in supporting organisations as they develop, invest and deploy technology to meet the world’s climate ambitious; best strategies that lead to innovation and how to accomplish a truly digital and greener value chain.