Shell Chair at Sultan Qaboos University discusses Future Energy Journey

Shell has successfully organised on Sunday, February 12th an Energy Dialogue led by Shell technical experts; Mr. Devin Garrity, Shareholder Representative and Director and Dr. Elaine Leith, Shell Technology Oman Manager who shared the Shell story on ‘The Journey Towards Future Energy’. The event was organized by Shell Chair and Oil and Gas Research Center, at Sultan Qaboos University. It was used as a platform for Engineering faculty and students to explore the challenges and opportunities of the Energy future affecting the globe and the MENA region.

In his speech, Mr. Devin Garrity highlighted that; “As populations grow and energy demand surges, the strains on the environment will intensify. Many scientists agree we need to halve CO2 emissions to avoid serious climate change. Shell is working with partners to help meet the world’s future energy needs responsibly.” Dr. Elaine Leith added, “Shell invests US$1 billion per year in technology research and development, more than any other international oil company.

We are developing technologies to enhance oil recovery, as well as to enable us to go into deeper and more challenging locations to produce oil and gas, all in an effort to produce more energy, in a clean and smart way”.

Dr. Rashid Al-Maamari, Associate Professor-Petroleum and Chemical Engineering Department at SQU and director of Oil and Gas Research Center said: “We are pleased to host Shell at the SQU premises today. It was encouraging having an open discussion with Shell leaders especially on global energy issues that concern the average person, let alone the Engineering faculty and students, who will play a big part in solving the global and local future Energy puzzle”.

Mr. John Blascos, General Manager and Country Chairman for Shell Development Oman said: “the world is facing significant economic and population growth that will subsequently drive energy demand upwards. To keep pace, Shell is working with its joint ventures on various projects to support Oman in meeting its future energy demand. We are here today to remind the engineering students that there is a great opportunity to be realized through their future role in sustaining Oman’s position in the Energy market”.

Hilal Al Mawali, General Manager for External Affairs at Shell said: “We are proud to be associated with Sultan Qaboos University, through a number of initiatives including the Shell Chair at SQU, which teaches geosciences. Conducting the ‘future energy dialogue’ at SQU is another way of demonstrating our cooperation with academic institutes in Oman.

This session was a unique opportunity for SQU students to discuss the energy challenges that face the world for the coming decades”

‘The Journey Towards Future Energy’ Seminar was enthusiastically attended by 150 SQU engineering students and faculty members, whom both had the chance to participate in an open and informative Question and Answer session.