Global Energy Outlook: Changing Patterns

Abstract

It is now widely recognized that the world has sufficient oil and gas resources to satisfy future demand. However, there are also acknowledged uncertainties in the provision of this supply to meet future energy needs as investors face several risks, in an industry with long lead times and long pay-back periods. The ongoing impacts of financial turmoil and economic downturn, the changing structure of world energy markets, and developments in policies and technologies all directly affect energy supply and demand.In addition, the emergence of oil as an asset class has transformed the oil market, which is now far more exposed to the broader financial markets. As a result, the oil market has experienced greater volatility and the price of crude has been impacted by a growing number of factors that are not directly related to supply and demand fundamentals. This panel will debate key issues affecting today's fast-changing global energy industry. It will examine the challenges and opportunities facing the petroleum sector, and seek to identify potential 'game-changers' in technologies and public policy.The panle will address: Global trends  What are the global trends that will drive the world's economies and energy demand over the next 20-30 years?  What structural shifts have taken place in energy demand (global as well as regional) and energy supply patterns over the past few years? Role of Oil and Gas How do oil and gas investments interact with developments in the world economylessons learned from the recent economic and financial crises and the impact of the global business cycles?  What is the role of oil and gas in meeting future energy demand? Role of Technology What are the most promising technology innovations on the horizon for the oil and gas industry?  What are the most disruptive technology innovations that could affect future demand for oil and gas? What is their time frame? Role of Policy What are the examples where policy has been successful or unsuccessful? What can we learn from these examples?