OPEC’s World Oil Outlook (WOO 2025)

The WOO, first published in 2007, one of the Organization’s flagship publications, provides an in-depth review and analysis of the global oil and energy industries and offers assessments of various scenarios in their medium- and long-term development. The publication also presents insights into key relevant issues, such as supply and demand, investment, the potential impact of policies and sustainable development, and a detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the global oil and energy industries.

Realigning global chemical trade: navigating policy shifts, tariffs, and supply chain volatility

A structural transformation is reshaping global chemical trade as producers adjust to energy cost differentials, regional capacity shifts, and growing policy intervention. European plant closures are accelerating reliance on supply from the U.S. and Middle East, where producers are expanding exports and investing in infrastructure-led trade models. At the same time, new U.S. tariff measures on petrochemical imports and the broader use of anti-dumping duties (ADDs) are reshaping pricing dynamics, sourcing strategies, and compliance requirements. These trade policy shifts are not only altering cross-border flows but also raising questions about long-term competitiveness, localisation, and supply chain risk exposure. In response, companies are revisiting procurement models, diversifying trade relationships, and enhancing regional agility to secure access to essential feedstocks and intermediates. Success will depend on how companies adapt their supply frameworks through partnerships, localisation, and greater trade agility to remain competitive and capture growth in this evolving global landscape.

Attendee insights:

Understand how new trade policies, production shifts, and sourcing decisions are reshaping global chemical flows and what strategies are emerging to support a more flexible, resilient supply network.

How can oil-producing emerging economies be incentivised to diversify in a low-carbon world?

Oil price volatility creates an urgent diversification imperative for emerging economies. These nations must reduce revenue concentration, attract sustainable investment, and align with the global shift toward multilateral climate and trade frameworks. While multilateral initiatives like the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) aim to support this shift, their effectiveness in oil-exporting economies remains uncertain, especially for countries where energy revenues underpin national budgets. Rather than abandoning their energy base, these economies must channel existing revenues into future-facing sectors and resilient infrastructure. Meaningful diversification requires global frameworks that enable low-carbon industrial growth while providing governments sufficient policy space to build economic resilience. Success hinges on regional trade integration, green industrial strategy, and financial tools that reflect national realities. With the right mix of incentives, finance, and autonomy, these economies can diversify more decisively and remain competitive in a changing energy system.

Attendee insights:

Explore how oil-exporting emerging economies can be incentivised to diversify through multilateral trade frameworks, unlocking investment and policy flexibility tailored to their economic needs and energy realities.

Expanding the energy pool: meeting rising global demand

Global energy demand is rising, and the energy pool is expanding. The challenge is not substitution but growth, supplying oil, gas, andrenewables together to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving world. In this Energy Talk, Mark Thomas, Group CEO of Bapco Energies, will share his vision for how energy companies must embrace an expanding pool of solutions. He will discuss how hydrocarbons and renewables can complement one another to deliver energy security, sustainability, and long-term economic development.

Bridging the supply-demand gap: aligning airline and energy sector strategies for SAF adoption

As airlines strive to meet decarbonisation goals by increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), supportive policies and long-term offtake agreements can help reduce costs and raise supply levels. A multifaceted, solutions-driven approach – including collaborative partnerships that enhance SAF production and research – will be needed to bridge the supply-demand gap. Regulatory support in the form of mandates and incentives can also help mitigate investment risks and ensure consistent supply. At the same time, the ability to scale up production and optimise usage will depend on infrastructure development (particularly in blending and distribution) and financial support, like the Bank of America's $2 billion commitment. Entities such as the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA) are already working to bridge the supply-demand gap by aggregating corporate requirements for SAF, providing a predictable market for producers. Combined with the backing of policymakers, these efforts offer the best possible chance of aligning strategies between airlines and energy producers, scaling SAF adoption and securing a sustainable future for the aviation industry. 

Attendee insights:

Learn how airlines, fuel producers, investors and policymakers are aligning SAF demand and supply strategies, and what it will take to scale production while maintaining commercial viability.

Corporate decarbonisation strategies: ensuring transparency and accountability

Rigorous new regulations and standards are transforming corporate carbon accountability across key global markets. In 2025, companies operating in key markets are facing rising pressure to comply with new climate-related disclosure rules, including California’s Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Effectively, these regulations encompass an organisation’s entire value chain, mandating detailed reporting of Scope 1, Scope 2 and – increasingly – Scope 3 emissions. At the same time, the shift toward mandatory, data-grounded reporting is driving companies to adopt measurable, accountable transition strategies, ensuring transparency and accountability in their sustainability efforts. Investors and stakeholders are also demanding credible climate action, fuelling the need for high-impact voluntary carbon markets and ambitious sustainability commitments. Progress will require collaboration on clear regulatory alignment, robust carbon accounting frameworks and investment in transparent decarbonisation strategies. 

Attendee insights:

Learn how accountability, transparency and investor expectations are reshaping corporate decarbonisation strategies, as companies adopt robust frameworks to meet new disclosure rules.

A focus on decarbonisation across industries

With heavy industries accounting for a significant portion of global emissions, there will be a strong push for decarbonisation strategies. Businesses will need to innovate and adopt technologies that reduce emissions, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, energy, and transportation.

Unlocking finance for low-carbon hydrogen at scale

Financial institutions are advocating for a robust policy framework of incentives, grants, and loan guarantees to enhance the economic viability of hydrogen projects. Green bonds, dedicated hydrogen investment funds, and other specialised financial instruments will be crucial in facilitating the scale-up of low-carbon hydrogen initiatives. Additionally, the establishment of public-private partnerships and project insurance schemes could play a pivotal role in mitigating investment risks and attracting private sector capital. What is required to ensure integrated financial strategies, supportive regulatory environments, banks and financial entities, all combine to unlock the substantial capital flow essential for hydrogen’s growth and integration into the global energy mix?

Attendee insights:

Gain a better understanding of the innovative financing mechanisms, risk mitigation strategies, and policy interventions that can unlock investment in hydrogen projects as well as the challenges in enabling them.

Innovation for a sustainable and intelligent future

In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, the role of innovation in sustainability is more vital than ever. From climate resilience to sustainable energy solutions, new technologies must be aligned with environmental and societal needs.

In this Energy Talk, Anousheh Ansari, CEO of XPRIZE, will discuss how targeted innovation can drive transformative change in sustainability, paving the way for resilient and intelligent growth across sectors.

Youth Fireside Chat

As we accelerate the energy transformation, the role of Youth will be more important than ever. In this Youth talk, Tayba Al Hashemi, CEO of ADNOC Offshore and ADIPEC Chair, will set out the role of future leaders to deliver a more sustainable energy future. Tayba will discuss: how energy companies are cultivating and developing young talent; why opportunities in the energy sector matter; and how youth can drive their own development. Tayba will also share insights from her journey to become a CEO and the ways ADNOC is helping youth fulfil their potential. Join us to fast-track your own development journey and shape the future of energy.

AI in Downstream: transforming operations and driving efficiency

AI has the power to revolutionise downstream operations and drive advancements in efficiency, innovation, and productivity. Through its implementation, AI can strengthen health and safety practices, optimise inventories and production output, provide predictive maintenance, boost energy efficiencies, improve supply chain management, and enhance internal decision-making processes, driving significant improvements across the downstream value chain. This can help reduce operational costs, increase output, optimise revenues, and improve the carbon footprint of downstream operations. However, maximising these gains requires the adoption of new technologies, the integration of diverse data sources and IT tools, the enhancement of cybersecurity protocols, and the adaptation of the workforce to new operational paradigms. As the potential opportunities in leveraging AI to transform operations, drive efficiency, and unlock growth are far-reaching, how can the downstream industry effectively navigate these challenges to fully realise AI’s transformative potential?

Attendee insights:

Understand how AI is driving innovation, improving efficiency, and creating new opportunities for growth in the downstream energy industry.

OPEC World Oil Outlook (WOO)

The World Oil Outlook (WOO) is one of OPEC’s flagship publications, combining the expertise of the OPEC Secretariat and professionals in OPEC Member Countries. The 18th edition of the WOO continues to examine developments in energy and oil demand, oil supply and refining, the global economy, policy and technology, demographic trends, environmental issues and sustainable development.

Attendee insights:

The Outlook provides a helpful and insightful reference tool, and underscores OPEC’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and data transparency.

Shaping the energy future: partnerships and policy and collaboration

The scale, complexity and urgency of the energy transition continues to increase in the face of continued geopolitical tensions, increasingly frequent climate events, and ongoing barriers to scaling and commercialising the innovative technologies needed to deliver a decarbonised energy future. By bringing together diverse expertise and resources across sectors, borders and disciplines, new partnerships and collaborations can accelerate innovation, mobilise critical capital and drive the systemic changes needed. To deliver change in the timeframe required, it is critical for governments and organisations across sectors to enable the rapid exchange of ideas, technologies and methodologies; mobilise new sources of funding and increase access to it; and nurture the international collaborations that allow for the sharing of best practices and the scaling of successful innovations across borders.

Attendee insights

Gain a better understanding into how energy leaders and policymakers are shaping the future of energy by enhancing collaboration opportunities, shaping new policies and showcasing progress that creates a resilient and sustainable future for the energy sector.

The role of digitalisation in building a safer and more energy efficient maritime future

Digital technologies can optimise operations and help reduce emissions, while improving safety in handling high-risk fuels. They can also help in combating piracy and cybersecurity threats in vulnerable regions. Real-time data analytics and AI-driven systems can identify operational inefficiencies as well as inform decisions impacting energy efficiency. These technologies are pivotal in steering the maritime industry towards a safer, more energy efficient, and sustainable future. Beyond operational gains, an increasingly automated industry empowers the next generation of maritime professionals to view shipping as an increasingly attractive career path.

Attendee insights:

Learn how emerging digital technologies, including AI, autonomous systems, and real-time analytics are revolutionising maritime operations to enhance safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability in the industry's advancement towards a greener future.

AI Solutions in Downstream

Francois Chupin will provide further insights into how integrating Al in Downstream operations holds transformative potential for enhancing efficiency, profitability and safety from innovation.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) take-off: ensuring financing and production scaling

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is gaining recognition as a sustainable alternative to traditional jet fuel. Despite considerable interest and investment, challenges hinder its widespread adoption including the high cost of production compared to conventional jet fuel, limited availability of sustainable feedstocks, lack of clear and consistent government policies for production, and infrastructure. Scaling SAF production can play a key role in meeting the aviation industry's need to decarbonise. To achieve this, significant R&D investment will be required to optimise SAF production from emerging feedstocks as well as consistent international policies to provide clear, long-term signals to incentivise the necessary capital investments by SAF producers.

Attendee insights:

Learn about the potential of SAF to reduce carbon emissions and the strategies required to finance and scale its production.

Decarbonising heavy-emitting industry operations

According to IEA, the demand for heavy industry products is expected to rise given the requirements for constructing and maintaining nuclear power plants, wind turbines, and other clean energy infrastructure. Accounting for at least 70% of industrial emissions per year, heavy industry sectors must work pragmatically towards decarbonising their operations and operational excellence. Challenges and potential bottlenecks include retiring or retrofitting long-lived plant assets, electrifying inherent industrial production methods where possible, innovating solutions for high emissions and high heat intensity processes, and scaling emerging and new technologies for commercial viability. Significant investment and coordinated policy support will be required to activate significant and timely progress toward decarbonisation.

Attendee insights:

Hear from industry leaders’ perspectives on operational requirements and challenges towards decarbonising heavy industry operations and the strategies needed to address them.

Navigating the energy systems transition in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asian countries face a tough challenge in transitioning their energy systems, mainly because they rely heavily on coal, need more power and transport, and have different levels of industrialisation, resources, and energy infrastructure. This makes it hard to reduce emission intensity, especially as economic growth demands more energy. To strike a balance between growth and sustainability, developing nations must work together through regional collaboration, international cooperation, and sharing best practices and innovative solutions like electric transport, renewable energy, and energy efficiency improvements. They must also consider how to ensure fairness for workers, businesses, and consumers by providing access to capacity, finance, products, services, and affordable energy.

Attendee insights:

Understand the unique challenges Southeast Asian countries are facing in the energy transition and gain insights on strategies and technologies being deployed to tackle high emission intensity in growing economies.

Green cement production with hydrogen

Hydrogen offers promising pathways for lowering emissions in the cement industry. Although hydrogen production costs are currently high, they are expected to decrease as renewable energy prices fall, making green cement a potentially cost-effective option in the future. The transition to hydrogen-based cement production relies heavily on the development of a robust and extensive renewable energy infrastructure to ensure a consistent hydrogen supply. However, the environmental credentials of ‘green’ cement require close examination, as a thorough evaluation of lifecycle emissions and the scalability of these technologies is necessary to validate their sustainability claims.

Attendee insights:

Understand the potential of hydrogen to revolutionize cement manufacturing, explore economic trends, energy frameworks required, and examine the critical analysis needed to substantiate the environmental benefits of adopting hydrogen-based solutions.

Energy AI Talk: Leveraging AI to accelerate climate solutions

As the world continues to tackle climate change, leveraging AI has become a crucial factor in achieving large-scale carbon reduction. Boomitra’s AI-driven solutions aim to sequester an additional gigaton of CO2 by 2030, turning agriculture into a carbon sink. Through satellite-powered soil monitoring, farmers generate carbon credits, aiding corporations and governments in achieving sustainability goals while supporting local communities.

In this Energy AI talk, Aadith Moorthy the CEO of Boomitra and The Earthshot Prize winner will discuss how AI enhances ESG management through detailed reporting and actionable insights, enabling organisations to meet sustainability goals while preparing for future environmental challenges, highlighting the critical role of partnerships in driving innovation for climate solutions.

Unlocking finance for low-carbon hydrogen at scale

Financial institutions are advocating for a robust policy framework of incentives, grants, and loan guarantees to enhance the economic viability of hydrogen projects. Green bonds, dedicated hydrogen investment funds, and other specialised financial instruments will be crucial in facilitating the scale-up of low-carbon hydrogen initiatives. Additionally, the establishment of public-private partnerships and project insurance schemes could play a pivotal role in mitigating investment risks and attracting private sector capital. What is required to ensure integrated financial strategies, supportive regulatory environments, banks and financial entities, all combine to unlock the substantial capital flow essential for hydrogen’s growth and integration into the global energy mix?

Attendee insights:

Gain a better understanding of the innovative financing mechanisms, risk mitigation strategies, and policy interventions that can unlock investment in hydrogen projects as well as the challenges in enabling them.