SPE Beyond the Borders in Aberdeen!
June 2024
This week SPE Aberdeen hosted 14 young professionals from all over Europe in Aberdeen for SPE Beyond The Borders. Visitors came from France, Germany, Austria, Norway, Denmark and across the UK to network and share knowledge & experience with SPE Aberdeen.
The 3 day programme was put together with the theme of “A mature basin & the energy transition”. The transition to a net zero future is happening, and young professionals working in the energy industry now are going to be the ones responsible for delivering it. The programme addressed the topics of maximising hydrocarbon recovery from late life assets, reducing emissions related to hydrocarbon production, the energy transition & renewable energy sources ensuring the young professional are up to date on technical advancements in these areas.
On the first day, the Net Zero Technology Centre put on a fantastic morning of presentations showcasing their work supporting innovators developing technology and getting their innovations to market where they can tackle real world challenges. We also took a boat trip out to the Aberdeen Bay Offshore Windfarm to see the massive wind turbines up close (through the fog) and even saw some dolphins on the way.
The highlight of the programme, our visitors attended DEVEX Conference. This conference focusses on the full exploration and production cycle of the offshore energy industry and is one of the technical highlight of the SPE Aberdeen calendar. A dedicated young professional event in the afternoon focussed on the skills required for a career in the energy transition. We heard from local industry representatives to give their perspective on how to remain skilled for the job demands of the future in addition to local industry professionals working in CCS & well decomisioming. They gave an encouring discussion on the opportunities that remain, but recognised the changes we are likely to see during our careers. The day wrapped up with a sold out installment of Energy on Draft - the UKs premier networking event for young professionals in the energy industry in collaboration with other organisations GESGB Young Professionals Energy Institute Young Professionals Network Aberdeen, Highlands & Islands Branch Intervention and Coiled Tubing Association (ICoTA)
On the final day, we went on a walk to Dunnotar castle to showcase Scotland’s unique heritage. Our visitors enjoyed glorious late May weather in Aberdeen (rain), and enjoyed traditional fish and chips on the beach.
We thank Society of Petroleum Engineers International for supporting SPE Beyond The Borders and SPE Aberdeen for the time and financial support for this event. And thanks to all speakers that helped to support this event!
