The 24th World Petroleum Congress (WPC) Programme is formed of two main streams: the Technical Programme and the Strategic Programme.
Both streams will align with the WPC’s theme “Energy Transition: The Path to Net Zero” in their own specific ways.
The Strategic Programme will be formed of a mix of plenary sessions, CEO panels, strategic sessions, ministerial interviews, lunch keynotes and ‘Canada sessions’.
“The vision is to illuminate our core theme in as many different ways as we can,” says Dean Tucker, Vice Chairman WPC Canada and COO of the 24th Congress Event.
“We’ve worked hard to have a progressive and diverse mix of voices and approaches in our Strategic Programme.”
Plenary sessions will focus on a number of transition themes including: the path to net zero, industry and product transformation, energy affordability, partnerships, financing and future energy markets.
Among other topics, the CEO panels and strategic sessions will cover:
1) The markets for petrochemicals and refineries of the future
A panel to discuss the upcoming demand for petrochemical products and show how a future low-carbon economy will direct the way we look at feedstocks and products.
2) The circular economy
This session will evaluate how the industry is responding to consumer behaviour changes and government initiatives that require the promotion of reuse and recycling of materials.
3) CCUS
A look at whether CCUS is a realistic option for the future, including an evaluation of CO₂ utilisation technologies that are still under investigation.
4) The role of hydrogen
An examination of what the existing energy industry can do to increase hydrogen demand, and how both blue and green hydrogen can be scaled up on the supply side.
5) Digital transformation
This session will highlight best practices and future thinking on how innovation in digital technology is transforming the work environment across all parts of the oil and gas industry.
6) Driving innovation
This panel will address research and development of next-generation technologies and investment in breakthrough research across a broad spectrum of sectors and energy technologies.
7) Dialogue on the energy future
This moderated session will discuss the future energy scenarios being developed by several energy institutions, organisations and companies.
8) Dialogue on energy security
An evaluation of whether conventional energy systems involving oil, gas, nuclear and hydro can address energy security issues alone, or whether emerging systems and new fuels, such as hydrogen and renewables, are required.
9) Indigenous economic inclusion
A look at how Indigenous groups can best share in the economic prosperity derived from the resources extracted from their traditional lands.
10) Climate solutions from the oil and gas industry
This panel will look at initiatives in the areas of energy efficiency, flaring, methane, offsets, electrification and CCUS, and how they will be delivered.
11) Alleviating energy poverty—industry responses to providing access to energy for all
With 1.3 billion people worldwide still lacking access to electricity and 2.6 billion people without clean cooking facilities, this session will examine what role the oil and gas industry can take in alleviating energy poverty.
12) Access to capital and innovative business models
An evaluation of how the industry can adapt to new government regulations on emissions and a financial sector that is becoming more discerning regarding the carbon intensity of its investments.
13) The role of renewables and other energy sources
A look at the varying scenarios for renewables and the key role they will play on the journey to net zero.
14) The realities of energy transition
A session on energy security and the geopolitics of the energy transition.
15) WPC youth session—securing the next generation for our industry
Based on the findings from the 2023 WPC Youth Survey report, we invite industry leaders to debate the main conclusions and reflect on actionable solutions.
16) Untapped Reserves 3.0—driving diversity, equity and inclusion in the energy industry
WPC will present highlights from the launch of its third global study of the Untapped Reserves 3.0 survey developed in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group.
17) Social responsibility—earning a licence to operate
This session will evaluate what role the oil and gas sector can play in supporting the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
18) Raising finance during the energy transformation—an investor-industry dialogue
This dialogue will look at what the new drivers for investment are and the role ESG will play in investment decisions.
In addition to strategic topics which have already been developed, other sessions will be added to ensure the most current agenda. Meanwhile, the Canada sessions will focus on responsible development and collaboration in all sectors of the Canadian energy industry.
A high calibre panel of industry experts is confirmed, providing broad knowledge of the key issues from around the globe.
For more information contact dean@wpccanada.com
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