Special Presentation

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The Role of Geosciences in Shaping our Energy Future

Monday, 30 September 2024, 10:15 a.m.–11:45 a.m. | Muscat, Oman

Geosciences is rapidly evolving to meet the demands of a growing world and a new energy landscape. As the world races to increase alternative energy sources, the role of the geoscientist is expanding. Evolving competencies, diversification, new regulatory frameworks, investment strategies in alternative fuels, technological advances and the rapid expansion of digital solutions make geoscience an exciting and more valid science to support the future energy drive. Notwithstanding, exploration still continues to be needed and the Middle East is and can be vital it is to a more capital disciplined, diversified, resilient, and sustainable exploration driven future.

A major stakeholder in the energy future is the Middle East and its continuous role of impacting the global supply through exploration. Possessing c.31% of Global production and c.48% of reserves, the world is wondering will the Middle East play its part as a critical Energy custodian? Some argue fossil fuels are in a regressive cycle highlighting vulnerabilities within the global energy system. Lower Upstream capital allocation, consolidation, deglobalisation, new demand hubs, energy trilemma “agendas” and a possible fear of “cheap peak oil” all challenge the status quo. However, despite this volatility, the Middle East continues to cement its place as a stable “last man standing” producing region.

This opening plenary session will delve at the different dimensions and be a segway for the panel sessions that will happen throughout the conference (Why is Oil and Gas “Needed and Not Wanted” - Can we Change the Public Perception? and AI in Geoscience …A Benefit or a Threat?).