KHOBAR - The Saudi chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) recently held its annual technical symposium entitled the ultimate challenge of unlocking hydrocarbons through optimum exploitation strategy. The event has evolved into a major technical exchange that attracted petroleum engineering professionals from around the world. The meeting kicked off with a note of greeting and appreciation from SPE technical symposium Chairman Dr. Hamoud Al-Anazi. Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Salman Al-Saud, Assistant Minister of Petroleum Affairs in the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, in his keynote address included an overview of the energy industry and the ever-growing need for energy resources around the world. He emphasized the benefits achieved by empowering national oil companies, of which Saudi Aramco is a good example. The minister commended the upstream petroleum engineering experts, whom he referred to as the unknown soldiers in the effort to meet global demand. Another speaker, David Lesar, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Halli-Burton, reflected on the theme of the symposium and the role of energy service companies in unlocking hydrocarbons through optimum exploitation strategies. Lesar discussed how service companies are employing their resources to reach goals and visions of the operators through research and development. He concluded by saying the services industry is adapting to challenges while promoting local talent and nationalization of their workforce in the countries in which they operate. Amin H. Al-Nasser, Saudi Aramco's senior vice president of exploration and production, considered one of the biggest supporters of the Saudi chapter of SPE, addressed the expected increase in energy demand and Saudi Aramco's plans to deliver its share. Those plans, he said, consist of best-in-class production scheme and future increments that promote technology and a highly skilled workforce. Dr. Sami Al-Neaim, chairman of the SPE's Saudi chapter, reflected on the 50th anniversary of the section, saying the group emerged from a seven-member society into more than 2,000 members with three major annual conferences.
