AAGP Conference in Muscat Hosts Panel Session on Energy & Geosciences

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) conference in Muscat featured a significant panel session titled “Opening Executive Plenary: The Role of Geosciences in Shaping Our Energy Future.” Moderated by Eskil Jersing, Exploration and Appraisal Director at CC Energy Development, the session focused on the critical impact of geosciences on the energy sector. Taking part were five distinguished speakers, each bringing a wealth of expertise to the discussion. Ahmed al Azkawi, Chief Executive Officer of OQEP, opened the dialogue by sharing insights on the company's strategic direction. Aflah al Hadhrami, Managing Director at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), highlighted innovative initiatives being implemented in the oil and gas sector. Mohammed Duhailan, Director of Exploration Resource Assessment at Saudi Aramco, provided an overview of emerging trends in resource assessment. Eugene Okpere, Executive Vice President of Exploration Strategy and Portfolio at Shell, discussed the company’s approach to exploration in a rapidly changing energy landscape. Sophie Zurquiyah, Chief Executive Officer at Viridien, emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in the industry.

The speakers shared valuable insights on the evolving landscape of geosciences and their pivotal role in shaping sustainable energy solutions for the future. During the session, Zurquiyah stressed the necessity of integrating various energy sources, stating, “We need all the other sources of energy.” She identified three key trends shaping the industry: the rapid advancement of AI and digital technologies, the necessity for sustainable practices, and a commitment to caring for the planet. Zurquiyah noted that these trends are highly relevant to geoscience, which relies on expertise, data, and technology to address challenges. She highlighted that geoscientists have historically facilitated exploration and production in oil and gas and will continue to play a vital role in the energy transition, particularly in carbon sequestration processes. Eugene Okpere remarked, “We believe in the energy transition, and our approach is to maximize where we can add the most value. This means providing more energy with fewer emissions while focusing on our differentiating capabilities, integrated business models, the gas value chain, and deep-water resources. Today’s discussion revolves around three themes: opportunity, despite the challenges posed by the energy transition; the unique potential of countries like the Sultanate of Oman, with their abundant resources and renewable energy sources like solar and wind; and the chance to diversify the economy and promote growth.”

Duhailan added, “It is a privilege to be part of the scientific community, fostering collaboration and innovation to address technical challenges. However, the challenges we face are not solely technical; they are adaptive. We should not confine ourselves to areas where the challenges are well-known and routine. Instead, we need to engage with the unknown and tackle non-routine complex problems that require the involvement of all major related disciplines.” Concluding the session, Ahmed al Azkawi remarked, “We have the right business environment to stimulate innovation in geoscience, especially regarding the energy transition. Discussions around hydrogen and other projects in the oil and gas sector are fundamental for any geoscientist. Technology has become a crucial factor, allowing geoscientists to gain experience much more quickly than before. Tasks that used to take ten years to master can now be accomplished in a fraction of the time, accelerating the energy transition.” This engaging discussion among industry leaders highlighted the significant role of geosciences in addressing current and future energy challenges, paving the way for innovative solutions in a rapidly evolving sector.