The Energy Institute Young Professionals Network (EIYPN) held its first event of the year, entitled ‘UKCS: Can We Emerge From The Downturn Sustainably?’, at Nexen’s premises in Prime Four Business Park, Aberdeen. Young professionals gathered on Thursday, March 29 to hear a panel of experienced industry professionals discuss their views on optimistic market conditions in the UK Continental Shelf and how the industry will be shaped across the next decade.
Ray Riddoch (managing director UK and senior vice president Europe) represented Nexen who are the principal sponsor for the EIYPN this year. The other high-profile speakers on the panel were Deirdre Michie (CEO of Oil & Gas UK), Alan Johnstone (president Wood Asset Life Cycle Solutions Business in Europe), Jessica Thomson (transformation manager, Spirit Energy) and Andrew Gardner (CEO, INEOS FPS). The event was moderated by Julia Harte.
The three key themes were Lessons Learned, Long-term Future and Short-term Future of the UKCS.
In the typical EIYPN event question time format, the industry leaders shared their thoughts including the importance of building upon relationships between operators and the supply chain, especially in times of increasing activity. There was also a call to challenge the status quo, with new entrants coming to the market and doing things differently.
Technology was a key point in the discussion, set out as a critical piece of the puzzle. It was said that technology is significant to bringing positive change in the industry, as well as being a disruptor with significant consequences.
Speakers stated that the energy mix is an important consideration, with young professionals being advised that they have the skills necessary to transfer across other energy sectors. The panel also shared their views on corporate social responsibility and engagement with schools/universities for future STEM-related employment opportunities in the North-east.
Ricky Gray, EIYPN Aberdeen, Highlands and Islands Branch chair said:‘The event produced an honest and constructive assessment of the current market. The remaining challenges are well defined for operators and the supply chain to focus on with a sustainable future in sight. My thanks go to Nexen for their support as our principal sponsor as well as providing the venue for our event. The panel members and moderator were excellent and I would like to thank them for sharing their thoughts with young professionals in Aberdeen.’
When asked to comment on the event, Ray Riddoch, managing director UK, Senior vice president Europe, Nexen said: ‘It was great to see so many young people at Thursday’s event. The diverse panel and the great questions from the audience made the discussion about the future of our industry a robust one. I hope everyone left the event feeling as optimistic as I am that with industry working together to find new and better ways to do things, the future of the UKCS is bright.’
The EIYPN continue to provide its events for free with drinks and food provided. All young energy professionals are welcome to attend and no membership is necessary. Upcoming events for the year include ‘The Energy Mix’ on Thursday, June 14, ‘Energising the Next Generation’s Leaders’ on Thursday, August 30 and the EIYPN Annual Dinner & Dance on Friday, October 26.
