ONS 2018 to emphasize the necessity of innovation in oil and gas

ONS is gearing up for another year in Stavanger, Norway, where operators, international suppliers and decision-makers are set to gather for one of the world’s leading oil, gas and energy forums. Since 1974, the biennial show has taken on a different theme, setting the overall tone of the conference and helping to set the agenda. During ONS 2016, the conference’s main theme was “transition,” which appropriately underlined the transition taking place within the changing marketplace at that time. 

Fig. 1. More than 1,200 exhibitors from over 40 different countries are expected at ONS 2018. Photo: ONS/Elisabeth Tønnessen.

However, with oil prices now in the $60–$70-range, the industry is working toward recovery. As a result, ONS 2018 is taking on the chosen theme of “innovation.” Industry leaders will gather Aug. 27–30 to examine where the global energy sector is headed, and what is the most efficient and effective way to get there. How will further development of modern-day advances—such as digital transformation and technology, AI, machine learning and automation—help drive the industry forward, allowing the safe and affordable provision of energy to communities around the world? The answer is through innovation.

Exhibition. In 2016, ONS accommodated 1,241 exhibitors from 40 countries. Approximately 83% of them said they’ll return this year. Accordingly, ONS 2018 expects similar attendance, showcasing unique and innovative products related to the upstream, midstream and downstream markets, Figs. 1 and 2.

The exhibition floor creates a unique opportunity for company executives to reconnect with customers and partners. As one of the energy industry’s largest networking events, ONS allows global decision-makers, including politicians and investors, to meet face-to-face. Attendees are once again expected to exceed 65,000, creating the ideal arena to establish new business relationships.

Fig. 2. ONS Young will give students the opportunity to hear from industry professionals and get valuable insight into a career in energy. Photo: ONS/Anne Lise Norheim.

The exhibition floor will stage the ONS Centre Court, an intimate platform offering brief, but interesting, talks throughout the day. The dialogue will focus primarily on clean energy issues, including renewables, sustainable solutions, cleaner oil and gas production, alternative fuels in the transportation sector, and CCS (carbon capture and storage).

Additionally, the Clean Energy Park will feature relevant research institutes and innovation enablers. The showroom will assemble companies that offer products and solutions that promote cleaner fossil energy production, smart use of energy within the petromaritime sector, renewable energy production and smart power development and optimization. Here, visitors will learn about how technology transfer between various sectors can lead to more sustainable energy solutions, with a smaller environmental footprint.

Likewise, the Innovation Park will host and profile 18 small companies with large value creation potential for operations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). Co-funded by the Norwegian Research Council, each company will apply for the Innovation Award. The Innovation Park, situated in the middle of the ONS exhibition area, is organized by The Research Council of Norway.

Conference. ONS 2018 will offer an array of conferences, covering a variety of industry topics. This year, 620 speakers will address attendees in seven conference arenas. Speakers include top industry executives, politicians, ministers and officials from key energy-producing nations.

Among those speaking will be HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway; Terje Søviknes, Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy; Eldar Sætre, president and CEO at Equinor; Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and CEO at Total; Dr. Fatih Birol, IEA executive director; Jeremy Thigpen, president and CEO at Transocean; and Lorenzo Simonelli, chairman and CEO at BHGE; to name a few.

Technical Sessions also will be held throughout the three-day event, where engineers and R&D specialists will assemble to share information and highlight the latest technologies in the energy sector. There are 27 technical sessions scheduled this year, 22 of which are focused directly on new technologies in the petroleum sector. Overall, however, the technical program will consist of more than 170 presentations addressing topics related to field development, low-emission technologies and new technology trends, such as the use of digitalization.

ONS Young. To ensure the best future possible for the global energy industry, ONS is making youth and young professionals a priority through ONS Young. Attracting the brightest minds to the oil and gas sector is the only way to ensure that the industry continues to progress, and the world’s energy demands are met for generations to come.

ONS Young was designed to promote the diversity of the energy industry, and inspire young people to choose an education and, ultimately, a career in STEM. At Future Students’ Days, industry professionals will explain to students why they chose a career in oil and gas. Students in upper secondary school will be presented with the endless possibilities and opportunities offered to them, if they choose to pursue a career in energy.

On Tuesday, Aug. 28, during University Day, tomorrow’s leaders and innovators will gather to meet company representatives and get valuable insight from industry experts. University students can take a guided tech-tour around the ONS exhibition to meet and hear directly from exhibitors, as well.

Ninth-graders from the Stavanger region have been invited to participate in the Young Innovation Camp, where they can work together to help solve relevant industry problems. The science competition aims to increase students’ interest in the energy sector, as well as in science and technology. Students will present their ideas to a jury, which will select a winning solution.

Similarly, the Young Professionals’ Arena will give those looking to kick-start their energy careers with a meeting place for like-minded professionals under the age of 35. A new lounge in the Young Arena will provide a relaxed atmosphere, where attendees can network while enjoying a variety of food and music.

Students, however, are not the only ones to be acknowledged during ONS Young. Educators are invited to attend their very own energy education conference on Monday, Aug. 27. Teachers, advisors and principals at lower or upper secondary schools in Rogaland (the region surrounding Stavanger) will learn pertinent information about the industry and the future of the energy sector at the Teachers’ Classroom. The event aims to give educators the necessary tools to provide students with accurate information when offering study and career guidance.