It’s now less three weeks to SPE Offshore Europe 2015. As preparations for the event heat up, we take a look at some of the key talks scheduled for the show.
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Image from Brian Cox. From Trio Group. |
Offshore Europe will open on Tuesday, 8 September with a plenary session addressing the event’s theme of inspiring the next generation against the backdrop of meeting energy demand while balancing concerns over climate change, security of supply and consumer affordability.
Charles Woodburn, CEO of Expro, will chair the debate led by keynote speaker Professor Brian Cox, along with panel members representing the International Energy Agency and oil and gas industry operator and service companies.
Arguably the UK's best known physicist, Professor Cox’s books and TV programs are read and watched around the world and are credited with making science engaging and accessible to millions. He will describe what drew him to science as a youngster, and how he then inspired a generation of young people in to physics – including how he has communicated the wonders of science to a mainstream audience. The session will aim to learn from this experience to help inspire the next generation of young people to join the oil and gas industry with its interesting and exciting, yet difficult, technical challenges.
Other confirmed plenary session speakers include: Keisuke Sadamori, director, energy markets and security, International Energy Agency; Liz Rogers, director of IPIECA and vice president environment, social responsibility and HSSE compliance, BP; Simon Bittleston, vice president, research, Schlumberger; and Matt Corbin, managing director, Aker Solutions.
Sadamori will focus on energy challenges, and exploring what the energy future looks like in terms of supply and demand. He will consider the evolution of the energy mix, including the role of renewables and the worldwide distortion created by various energy subsidies.
Rogers will consider the social responsibility aspects of delivering energy to end users. Using case studies from across the world, she will highlight the role played by individuals in producing tangible results and prepare the younger generation to contribute to a different future.
The role of technology in meeting future energy demand will be the focus of Bittleston’s presentation. Having defined the scale of the challenge and the research and development investment needed to meet it, he will outline the science and engineering disciplines needed by the industry, providing examples from his own experience of mastering engineering challenges. Finally, looking to the future, he will predict some of the exciting technologies which the engineers of the future will use to take the industry forward.
Corbin will move the discussion on specifically to developing the next generation of engineers - how do we tell our story and inspire them to a career in the oil and gas industry? Why is it important to continue to invest in young people during challenging market conditions, and what is the most effective way to engage with schools and universities to promote careers in engineering and the energy sector? Providing examples throughout from his own personal experiences and Aker’s initiatives, Corbin will also consider how to create a corporate culture where the younger generation can grow and succeed.
Visit www.offshore-europe.co.uk for further information and to register for this free-to-attend conference and exhibition.
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