Reflecting on 2022

From the energy security challenge caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict to the necessary battle against climate change and a global cost of living crisis, the energy sector has never been far from the headlines in 2022.

It has been a year that has brought opportunity and challenges in equal measures, during which IOGP’s committees have worked incredibly hard to support our purpose of driving excellence in delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable energy supply and advocating for the global oil and gas industry, and the fundamental and important role we play in the energy transition.

And as people wind down for the year, I wanted to take the time to show my appreciation for the team, and to share some of our highlights.

If I were to name just a few they would include:

• Calling for a European CO2 storage capacity ambition at the EU CCUS Forum, and co-chairing the working group on infrastructure, leading to the announcement by the European Commission of an upcoming EU CCUS Strategic Vision.
• Co-chairing Gas Naturally, a partnership of seven associations which represent the European gas value chain, through which we signed a joint declaration on the future of gas in the EU energy market with the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU.
• Partnering with the EU Energy Community Secretariat to coordinate and launch shipments of emergency energy equipment to Ukraine.
• Issuing the first set of Recommended Practices on efficiency and cost reduction for decarbonization projects through CCS, Electrification, Flaring and Methane fugitive emissions.
• Continuing to drive the adoption of JIP33 standards on procurement specifications across the industry and supply chain to drive down cost and schedule in capital projects and make the supply chain more efficient.
• Jointly piloting the development of single international standards with ISO. Insights from which will enable the development of a formal Partnership SDO agreement between ISO and API.
• Co-organising our first workshop in Brazil with 10 other local, regional, and international trade associations and regulators – and strengthening the engagement of our members with authorities on environment, spill response, and safe operations in doing so.      
• Addressing the ASEAN Council of Petroleum task force meeting in Bangkok to strengthen engagement around natural gas advocacy, decommissioning, clean energy and capacity building.
• Speaking on behalf of the industry at 24 global conferences about the important role this industry has for society, daily. And to clarify that the transition to a cleaner energy mix will not happen without this industry and must start with decarbonization and emissions abatement of existing supply.

This reflects only a snapshot of our achievements. I’m so proud of our team, which includes all of our Members’ subject matter experts, whom I consider an integral and very important part of the team, for all the hard work they have put in this year. Thank you all.

Looking ahead to 2023, it is time for us to take our work a step further, with a focus on adoption and implementation of best practice across the areas I’ve covered and beyond. I’m excited not just for IOGP, but for the global oil and gas industry, as we aim to perform even better.

With continued collaboration across the industry, I’m sure we will make even bigger and better steps towards a sustainable low carbon future.

In the meantime, I wish you the very best for 2023.