North American Energy Dialogue Webinar: The Future of Oil & Gas in the Age of Decarbonization

An energy transition is happening now, and it’s complicated. While global governments set ambitious targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the International Energy Agency still forecasts a demand of 20-80 million barrels of oil per day by 2050.

Beyond its role as a fuel, oil is necessary for the production of plastics, synthetics, clothing and more. With such conflicting priorities and demands, what is the future of the oil and gas sector? Industry experts will discuss the economic, political, and social contexts of oil and gas development, its future, and consider the consequences of transitioning too quickly or not quickly enough.

Join us for a look into decarbonization and how it may impact our daily lives.

Register here

Speakers

Juliana Leung

Professor & Principle Investigator @University of Alberta

Dr. Leung is a professor and researcher at the University of Alberta and a Principal Investigator in the Future Energy Systems research program. Her team is currently using artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to optimize processes for non-aqueous extraction in the oil sands. Dr. Leung received a PhD in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Texas, Austin.

Kris Smith

Vice President, Downstream @Suncor

Mr. Smith is responsible for the operations of Suncor’s refining network in North America, including the distribution and marketing of refined products, as well as Suncor’s renewable energy business. He graduate with a BA (Honours) in 1992 from the University of Alberta, has a Law degree from Dalhousie University, and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Richard Chuchla

Director of Energy and Earth Resources @University of Texas at Austin

A director and professor in the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas-Austin, Mr. Chuchla retired from ExxonMobil in 2015 after a 35-year career serving as an executive focused on oil and gas exploration and development. He has a Master in Geology from the University of Texas, Austin and an undergraduate degree in Geology from Cornell University.

Merlin Cochran

General Director @Mexico's Association of Oil & Gas firms (AMEXHI)

Mr. Cochran is the General Director of AMEXHI, a non-profit civil association that brings together the main oil and gas investors and operators in Mexico. The affiliated companies are of various specialties interested in investing in Mexico and committed to carrying out safe, responsible, and sustainable operations. Mr. Cochran has an MBA from Columbia Business School and London Business School and a BSc in Civil Engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey.