A successful 50th anniversary of SPE Offshore Europe sets out path to a sustainable energy future

Organisers have hailed the first face-to-face SPE Offshore Europe in four years a resounding success as more than 800 exhibitors and almost 30,000 attendees celebrated the 50^th anniversary edition at P&J Live, Aberdeen from 5-8 September.

For the first time in several years, both the UK and Scottish governments were represented by their respective energy ministers with UK Government Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Graham Stuart MP and Gillian Martin MSP, Minister for Energy and the Environment addressing attendees with supportive keynote speeches. 

“A lot has changed since the last face-to-face Offshore Europe in 2019, but the energy, excitement and enthusiasm to learn, share and move towards a new energy future was palpable on the show floor and the conference.” said Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director – Energy & Marine at RX, co-organiser with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).

The largest ever programme of energy sustainability, security and affordability topics was presented alongside talent investment and diversity events (TIDE) for the next generation of energy workforce. Hydrogen, offshore wind, CCS and other net zero technologies that will deliver lower carbon energy production in the decades ahead played a more prominent role than ever alongside a forward-looking oil and gas programme.

Kamel Ben Naceur SPE Offshore Europe Conference Chair, 2022 SPE President and CEO of Nomadia Energy Consulting: “SPE Offshore Europe has become the global offshore energy event in Europe that covers all the components of the energy transition. The exhibition floor was full, with several areas featuring net zero themes. The speeches from both government ministers gave strong signals to the audience related to a significant increase in investment across all energy sectors in the North Sea. Aberdeen has once again made us feel very welcome and we are very much looking forward to Offshore Europe 2025.”

Doris Reiter, Senior Vice President, bp North Sea: "Offshore Europe was a brilliant opportunity to share how bp is Backing Britain - investing in oil and gas for today's energy system and, not or, investing in low carbon businesses for the future. I was hugely encouraged to hear that same message repeated by others throughout the week.

"The energy transition presents a massive opportunity but it's not without challenge - bp wants to be part of the conversation and part of the solution. That's why we were delighted to be exhibiting and presenting at Offshore Europe, speaking to school children, politicians, industry partners and supply chain colleagues. Well done to everyone for making the event such a success."

Jenny Stanning OEUK’s External Relations Director said: “Offshore Europe was the ideal arena to explain how we are setting the agenda for energy security, the transition to net zero and pursuing the investment we need to build a high-growth low carbon world across the energy mix.  The city put on a great show for visiting exhibitors and delegates and we're already planning for the 2025 conference!”

The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron said: “‘I visited Offshore Europe across two days of the event and was thrilled to see that the sector is absolutely thriving, with an enormously diverse range of global stakeholders having come to Aberdeen to showcase their businesses at one of the world’s leading energy conferences and exhibitions. I was especially pleased that this year’s event focussed on decarbonisation and achieving Net Zero goals.”

Rob Wicks, Managing Director at P&J Live, said: “It’s been terrific to see Offshore Europe back at our venue this week and there has been a real buzz across all the halls. The event continues to make a significant impact with its insightful content and overall economic impact on the region and is something that Aberdeen should be exceptionally proud of.”