–What this conference is all about, and how it ties into government’s policy for the energy sector

THE International Energy Conference and Exhibition Guyana (IECEG 2022) is anticipated to be the premier annual meeting of local, regional and international energy experts in Guyana. It is intended to be a staple in the Guyana’s Calendar of Events, and is anticipated to attract senior executives, CEOs, and procurement personnel from energy companies, government officials and other key stakeholders.

The boom in Guyana’s oil industry has created a unique opportunity for the country’s economic and social development. Due to the developments in the energy sector, the country is poised to become one of the fastest-growing economies in the world in this decade. At the conference, participating companies will seize the opportunity to share industry trends, and announce future projects. These presentations will highlight upcoming business and investment opportunities.

Who are the participants and where are they drawn from?
This conference and ‘expo’ will be a unique forum that will bring together both industry players and national and regional policymakers to not only leverage investment and business opportunities, but to make this relevant to a clearly developed policy and regulatory context. Given Guyana’s recent developments in the energy sector, it is important for us, as a nation, to invite policymakers, major players from the industry, and thought leaders from around the world to gather in one place to discuss the way forward in charting a sustainable energy future, not just for Guyana, but for the wider region.

At the conference, we hope to get diverse opinions on key topics such as local content development, skills development, the environment, renewable energy and energy efficiency. We anticipate that the constructive discussions coming out of the conference will help shape policies and projects that would ultimately result in the wealth of future generations.

Participating companies at the conference and ‘expo’ will share industry trends, and announce future projects. These presentations will highlight upcoming business and investment opportunities that will provide valuable networking opportunities for delegates. There will also be a tradeshow element that will run alongside the event that will attract local, regional, and international exhibitors.

The conference and ‘expo’ has received commitments of participation from both oil-and-gas industry representatives and governments in the region. On the government and policy side, high-level participants will represent the Government of Guyana, along with confirmed commitments for participation from other countries in the Guyana basin, most notably neighbouring Suriname.

Who are the main speakers?
The IECEG 2022 is set to see several high-profile speakers that include heads of government from across the Caribbean, as well as policymakers and government officials:

*His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana

*His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of Suriname

*The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, QC, MP, Prime Minister of Barbados

*His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

*The Honourable Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice- President, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

*The Honourable Vickram Bharrat, Minister of Natural Resources, the Co-operative Republic of Guyana

*Dr. Jennifer Wilcox, acting Assistant Secretary in the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, the United States Department of Energy

*Mr. Darren Woods, Chairman, ExxonMobil

*Dr. Daniel Yergin, Vice-President, IHS Markit

*Mr. Bob Dudley, Chair, Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, former Group Chief Executive BP

*The Honourable Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips, Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

*Dr. John Murton, UK COP 26 Envoy

There will be a number of other speakers included, all of whom can be found on our website @ www.guyanaenergy.gy

Is the conference a one-off event, if not, how often it will be held?

The International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana is set to be an annual event, since Guyana’s energy sector is in its genesis. The idea is to gain influence and ideas from countries and individuals who have been in the industry, and are experienced in the energy sector.

What the conference seeks to achieve?

At the conference, there will be vibrant discussions on local content and capacity building, which is integral to Guyana’s sustainable success in the energy sector.

The importance of building a robust safety culture will also be covered, and is crucial to the development of the energy sector in any nation. There are many inherent risks in the energy sector, but, through a deep understanding of the risks, there are pathways to safe and efficient operations. What is necessary to build a sustainable energy sector that also incorporate renewable energy technology and energy efficiency measures will also be covered.

There are many more topical sessions that are part of the agenda of this conference that are sure to give participants food for thought, and greater insight into what is required to chart a sustainable energy future for Guyana, and, by extension, the region.