The changing landscape of the oil and gas industry, alongside the general energy sector, calls for stronger alliances among stakeholders. Not to mention, the need to share insights and innovations to alleviate the impacts should be considered. Ian Phillips, Director and Principal Consultant at the Energy Transition Advisory Ltd., Cochair of the SPE Offshore Europe Programme Committee, and member of the SPE Offshore Europe Executive Committee, emphasises in an exclusive interview the role that SPE Offshore Europe 2025 (OE25) plays in the face of the growing industry. Phillips outlines the reasons why it is essential to engage in meaningful discussions regarding sector developments and explore the latest technology to elevate offshore operations, and how OE25 can provide the optimal space for stakeholders to further the field.

Ian Phillips: OE25 brings together the entire supply chain–from governments and regulators through developers and operators to supply chain companies large and small– and in oil and gas and in renewable energies and in CCS and hydrogen. The mixture of technical papers, topical discussions and the comprehensive trade exhibition means that it’s a “one-stop shop” for networking with whoever you wanted to network with.

Ian Phillips: The breadth of the attendees means that government and regulators will hear what is on the mind of developers and operators, and supply chain companies can learn what is on the mind of developers and operators–all on neutral ground facilitated by SPE.

Ian Phillips: Offshore Europe remains one of the largest gatherings of the energy sector in the world. Attendees will see the latest technologies, learn of recent projects and hear the strategic direction of government and developers across the energy spectrum.

Ian Phillips: Offshore Europe is very adept at moving with the times and the trends in the energy industry–oil and gas is still important, but the energy transition is all around us– and the climate imperative hasn’t gone anywhere despite political changes around the world. This year’s show addresses these issues head-on, showcasing major oil and gas projects, discussing the co-location of oil and gas and CCS and wind, and debating the slow uptake of hydrogen

Ian Phillips: My favourite part of Offshore Europe is hearing from relevant people in the panel and “fireside chat” format discussions – away from the set piece keynote speeches where you know what they are going to say, these discussion panels get to the substance of a range of issues.  

SPE Offshore Europe 2025 (OE25) has solidified its position as a valuable and excellent platform for the oil and gas industry ever since it was founded in 1973. This is strengthened even more with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) backing the exhibition and conference. SPE is an independent, non-profit global society with 132,000 members involved in the offshore industry. It primarily aims to connect professionals worldwide to foster collaboration, innovation, and growth. Through this commitment, SPE has continued to develop high-quality, independent content, research, publications, and events, helping to further the sector and its professionals. This synergy—SPE sharing its plethora of connections and content, and OE25 developing a superb platform for professionals and stakeholders—creates an unmissable event for the oil and gas community. Exhibitors and visitors alike will get the opportunity to share the latest practices and insights, test cutting-edge offshore solutions, and discuss recent industry changes to aptly plan for what lies ahead.