News and media releases

Symposium rises to the energy challenge

02/01/2008

Shell Global Solutions’ commitment to working with clients to tackle the increasing demand for energy was underlined when customers from Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Russia got together with Shell Global Solutions’ strategic marketing and sales teams at this year’s regional symposium.

Fifty refinery and operations managers were invited to attend the event at Italy’s Grand Hotel, Palazzo Della Fonte, Fiuggi.

The agenda included keynote speeches from Shell Global Solutions International BV’s Chief Scientist, Chemistry and Catalysis, Carl Mesters; and Shell International Renewables Vice President Carbon Dioxide, Bill Spence. Representatives from other organisations, including the European Petroleum Organisation and Fluor Corporation also attended the event.

Discussions addressed a range of issues including technology and innovation, the future of refining and other topics dominating the downstream operations agenda. Delegate Angelo Taraborrelli, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Syndial SpA (a subsidiary of Eni SpA), comments, “The symposium was an excellent opportunity to discuss the key issues facing the refining industry today and tomorrow such as the energy challenge and meeting new fuel regulations. The impressive presentations we saw encouraged the sharing of knowledge between the hosts and guests, in addition to provoking some stimulating conversations around environmental issues and operating performance.

“Bringing together business and operational leaders, the key decision makers of refineries and plants, gives an important insight into new and emerging sector paradigms in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Russia. The symposium was the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas that can help to maximise performance,” he concludes.