Net-Zero Panels 

1. Reverse Engineering “Net-Zero by 2050” – the role of enablers, technology and investments

This panel will explore the nuances and conditions required to truly achieve net-zero. What is net-zero? Is technology where it needs to be, what is the role of each component of the energy value chain as it pertains to achieving net-zero and how can investment flow be designed to ensure success. Join the panelists in this thought-provoking, candid dialogue about a topic that most skirt around – not too people, governments or organisations truly explore the ‘how’ or talk about ‘what it will really take’ in making something of this magnitude happen.

3. The role of natural gas and natural gas liquids in the energy transition and enabling a net-zero economy

Depending on who you talk to, natural gas is either “clean” energy or a “dirty fossil fuel”. So, what is the role of natural gas and natural gas liquids in the energy transition and does natural gas have a role to play in enabling a net-zero economy? In all the talk around electrification, renewables and clean energy, we seem to miss talking about rural communities, or energy reliability and affordability. What about climates or geographies that can’t sustain reliable renewable power generation? What about the fact that nuclear power development takes at least 15 years from design to operation? Are natural gas and natural gas liquids transitionary to fill the demand gap while the world figures out clean energy, or are they part of the clean energy mix of the future? We’ll hear what our esteemed panelists have to say about this.

2. The role of the energy sector in reducing Scope 3 emissions, enabling circular economies, and leading a smooth energy transition

Public and investor trust in oil and gas sector has eroded trust over the last two decades with the reputation of greenwashing, inadequate action against climate change, and resisting the energy transition, and whether that’s fair depends on which side of the dialogue you’re on. This panel will explore the role of the oil and gas sector in reducing Scope 3 emissions, enabling circular economies and leading a smooth energy transition. In fact, does the sector even have a role to play? And, if yes, could this be how we bring trust back into the sector?

Workshop

The Net-Zero Emissions Pathways Young Professionals Workshop: Your World on January 1, 2051

Young professionals are our future; in fact, they will be the group accountable to ultimately deliver a net-zero economy by 2050 and drive the energy transition. To that end, we are curating a group of 32 talented young professionals (by invitation only), from various educational and experience backgrounds, to come together in teams of 4, for a workshop to imagine the world in their own way on January 1, 2051 (a net-zero emissions world) and work backwards to create a roadmap of everything it will take beginning right now, to get there. Following the workshop segment, all 8 teams will present their ideas to a panel of expert judges and their peers. Judges will pick the best plan, and participants will vote for their top choice as well. Winners will receive a prize, bragging rights and will have the opportunity to have lunch with the judges during the conference week.

We will explore themes such as:

• What do transportation systems need to look like in a net-zero economy?
• What do food, consumer goods, and other product systems that rely on transportation or petroleum products look like?
• Is energy affordable in 2051? How?
• What does the world’s geopolitical environment look like?
• What is the state of technology?
• What is the energy mix in 2051?
• Aside from energy systems, what else needs to disrupted?

All 8 sets of plans will be available to conference participants to read through, after the workshop.

Pathways Corner

The Net-Zero Emissions Pathways Corner

Join us anytime during the conference at the Net-Zero Emissions Pathways Corner at the Sustainability and Social Responsibility Pavilion to hear from different organisations about what they are doing to prepare for the energy transition, enable it and ensure they are a part of the energy future. We’ll have digital posters, scheduled Q&A sessions, and inspiring individuals from these organisations to have one on one conversations.