The 23rd World Petroleum Congress met in Houston, TX, December 5 through 9, 2021. The four day conference was unable to feature some of the anticipated international speakers due to Covid travel restrictions and concerns; however, many industry leaders and some U.S officials were in attendance. Exhibits showcased the conference theme of “Innovative Energy Solutions” using interactive and educational presentations. The global sustainability exhibits included speakers on the energy transition, decarbonization and use of artificial intelligence. With the world fossil fuel’s sharp demand rebound in 2021, countries in Europe and Asia have faced power and heating supply shortages and price surges. "The world is facing an even more chaotic energy transition," said Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser. "They assume that the right transition strategy is in place. It's not. Energy security, economic development and affordability are clearly not receiving enough attention. Until they are, and we clear the gaps in the transition strategy, the chaos will only intensify." Anders Opedal, CEO of Norway's Equinor, said "We will need oil and gas for many years to come but with reduced emissions," and that energy companies have a responsibility to not only provide energy but to bring down emissions. Exxon CEO Darren Woods stated, "The fact remains, under most credible scenarios, including net zero pathways, oil and natural gas will continue to play a significant role in meeting society's need." Exxon aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from working assets in the U.S. Permian basin by 2030, expanding its emission- reduction plans for unconventional operations in New Mexico and Texas, as well as also planning to eliminate routine flaring, or production flaring, in World Petroleum Congress
its Permian basin operations by the end of 2022 and expects to cut it by more than 75% compared to 2019 by year end 2021.
Chevron has set a target of cutting operational emissions to net zero by 2050.
David Lawler, head of BP America and CEO of BPX unit revealed at the conference that BP is investing $1 billion worldwide to reduce emissions at refineries. U.S. officials took the opportunity to talk about President Joe Biden's clean energy agenda while also asserting the need to address high fuel prices for consumers. David Turk, deputy U.S. Secretary of Energy, said "We need to make sure everyone has affordable, reliable and resilient energy," and that the administration would not "stand in the way" as the industry works to recover by increasing domestic oil production; however, companies need to "step on to the plate" to be part of the climate solution.
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G r o w t h T h r o u g h E d u c a t i o n - J a n u a r y / F e b r u a r y / M a r c h 2 0 2 2
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