The challenges faced by project professionals as they seek to influence and support the transition to net zero will be addressed at the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board’s biannual conference next week (Thursday, October 28).
The one-day event - Project Management and Roadmap 2035: Leading the Journey to Net Zero - will encourage delegates to consider practical ways in which they can help drive a successful transition.
Contributors both from oil and gas and wider industry will emphasise how experience can be gained from other sectors and, as well as highlighting how companies can adapt their project resources, experience and skills. Case studies of projects already underway and lessons learned will be shared.
Attendees will not only hear about the challenges and needs, but also be part of the conversation by contributing their thoughts and experiences to the panels and plenary sessions that will take place throughout the day.
ECITB chief executive Chris Claydon said the timing of the conference was crucial, as activities in the North Sea undergo a transformational shift in response to the urgent need to protect the global climate.
“We are at a critical stage in the process and now, more than ever, effective project management and leadership will be needed like never before,” he said.
“The aim of this year’s conference is to highlight how project professionals can influence and facilitate the changes that will be needed to meet a range of challenges in key areas such as the development of people and skills, and by driving technology and innovation.
“We hope the day provides industry professionals with knowledge and insights that will help them to successfully navigate their teams and companies through net zero and respond to new market opportunities,” Chris added.
The keynote speech will be delivered by Oil and Gas UK chief executive Deirdre Michie OBE, who will discuss OGUK’s Roadmap 2035 initiative, which sets out the priorities for achieving a “Blueprint for Net Zero”.
“With the launch of Roadmap 2035 two years ago, the UK offshore oil and gas industry was one of the first major industries to publicly support the 2050 target,” she said.
“With the signing of the North Sea Transition Deal earlier this year, our sector now has a transformational plan with Government, which recognises the key role our sector has to play in helping the UK reach a low carbon future. If we are to succeed in achieving this goal, we know that industry must work collaboratively to deliver the key aspects of the Deal and to work toward a successful energy transition."
More than 200 project professionals and other stakeholders have already signed up for the virtual conference, but places are still available. For more information and to register your place, please contact conference@ecitb.org.uk, or visit ECITB’s website at https://www.ecitb.org.uk/pm-conference/