2024 SPE President Terry Palisch Leads Delegation to Beijing To Strengthen Global Energy Collaborations

31 July 2023

Beijing, China - In a meaningful display of international collaboration and to share valuable insights into the energy sector's latest developments, Terry Palisch, the 2024 President of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), spearheaded a high-profile delegation to Beijing, China. The delegation included Neil Kavanagh, SPE Board Director for Asia Pacific; Simon Seaton, SPE’s new CEO; SPE senior leadership - Michelle Boyd, Chief Global Events Officer; John Boden, Vice President of Information Services and Membership; Michelle Tan, Director for Asia Pacific, Events, and regional staff, who engaged with key stakeholders and industry leaders during the visit.

The trip’s core mission was to strengthen ties with key stakeholders in the Chinese upstream and energy sector while identifying potential avenues for SPE to extend support and add value to the industry's technical pursuits. The delegation's presence in Beijing aimed to enhance understanding and cooperation within the global energy community.

During their visit to the Chinese capital, the SPE delegation held in-depth courtesy meetings with influential leaders in the country's oil and gas landscape. Mr. Hou Qijun, President of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), welcomed the delegation and exchanged views on industry trends and future energy prospects.

Additionally, the delegation held meetings with Dr. Dou Lirong, President of the Research Institute of Petroleum & Exploration (RIPED) under CNPC, and Dr. Li Yang, Academician and Chief Engineer at China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) and SPE Southern China Section Chair. These interactions provided a platform for productive discussions regarding the latest technical advancements and areas of focus within the energy sector, especially in the areas of CCUS and decarbonisation efforts.

Further, the delegation had the honor of meeting Mr. Sun Fujie, Vice President of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Limited, where they explored opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration in the offshore exploration domain.

The visit also included a fascinating tour of Aramco Asia’s Beijing Research Centre, graciously hosted by Dr. AbdulKareem Al Sofi, Vice President of Research & Development at Aramco Asia. The tour offered valuable insights into cutting-edge research and development initiatives in the energy sector in China.

As part of the trip's networking and cultural exchange component, the SPE delegation was hosted by the SPE Northern China International Section. A dinner engagement with section members and senior international oil company executives allowed for a cross-pollination of ideas and experiences, reinforcing the global energy community's spirit of camaraderie.

Terry Palisch, who will take on the mantle of SPE President for 2024, expressed his enthusiasm for the trip's success and the strengthening of ties with esteemed partners in the Chinese energy sector. He highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing global energy challenges and emphasized SPE's commitment to supporting business exchange, technical innovation and knowledge sharing in the industry.

The visit to Beijing marked a significant step forward for the Society of Petroleum Engineers, underlining its dedication to promoting knowledge dissemination and fostering international cooperation within the energy sector. As the delegation returns from China, the positive impact of this mission is expected to resonate in the society’s and global energy landscape, driving further progress and advancements in the field.