WETEX 2024: A leading platform to discuss enhancing sustainability in the oil and gas sector

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) will organise the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, from 1 to 3 October 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The 26th edition of WETEX will host global companies from the oil and gas sector, along with leading experts, specialists and decision-makers from this vital industry. They will discuss best practices, the latest technologies and innovative solutions to enhance sustainability in the sector. Key topics include reducing oil and gas flaring, carbon capture and storage, improving efficiency and integrating renewable energy sources. These measures aim to reduce emissions and promote environmental sustainability, supporting the transition towards a green economy. This aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals 2030, ensuring environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources.

“Since its inception in 1999, WETEX has played a leading role as a global platform for exchanging best practices and expertise, as well as exploring the latest technologies and innovative solutions in the energy, water, environment and sustainability sectors. Given the importance of traditional energy markets as long-standing suppliers for the world’s economies over the past decades, and their continued role in meeting energy demand to keep pace with economic and population growth, it is crucial to stay ahead of developments and prepare for new challenges facing the global energy sector, including oil and gas. Ensuring energy security and diversifying its sources is essential for continued economic and social growth, and for accelerating the transition towards a low-carbon economy,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and Founder and Chairman of WETEX.

Future Energy Landscape Forum

The Future Energy Landscape Forum, held over three days at WETEX 2024, will be organised by Dragon Oil, the Knowledge Partner of WETEX 2024, in collaboration with the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). The forum will discuss comprehensive strategies for achieving sustainability in the oil and gas industry, focusing on decarbonisation, increasing efficiency, integrating renewable energy, and innovative waste management. It will bring together prominent academics, experts, specialists and decision-makers from around the world to promote sustainable practices and contribute to a greener oil and gas sector.

“We are excited to highlight the importance of sustainability in our industry. WETEX 2024 provides a platform for industry leaders to discuss transformative energy solutions. We invite attendees of WETEX to participate in the panel discussions and workshops that will be presented by our most notable experts,” said Ali Rashid Al Jarwan, CEO of Dragon Oil.

At WETEX, Dragon Oil showcases its significant initiatives that highlight its dedication to sustainability and technological innovation. It is leveraging AI to enhance logistics operations, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency across its supply chain. It is also working on innovative waste management solutions to minimise environmental impact and promote sustainable practices throughout its operations. These projects reflect its commitment to using cutting-edge technology to drive operational excellence and environmental responsibility.

The Future Energy Landscape Forum will address the challenges and opportunities for sustainability in the oil and gas sector, showcasing the latest innovative solutions and technologies shaping the industry's future. The forum will cover innovation in renewable energy, decarbonisation, the carbon circular economy and the potential for adopting blue and green hydrogen as clean energy sources. Additionally, it will explore how to advance energy diversification.

Day one: 1 October 2024 | Advancing Decarbonisation Strategies in the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry

The first day of the forum will focus on innovative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the oil and gas sector. Industry leaders will present case studies, key strategies, regulatory frameworks and the latest technologies to decarbonise operations while maintaining operational efficiency. Dragon Oil will also share its decarbonisation experience.

Day two: 2 October 2024 | Integrating Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future in Oil and Gas

Day two will highlight the integration of renewable energy sources within the oil and gas industry to enhance sustainability. Participants will be introduced to the latest advancements and innovative technologies for incorporating renewable energy applications in both upstream and downstream operations. The forum will explore the economic and environmental benefits of these integrations, along with strategies for overcoming technical and regulatory challenges, focusing on best practices and lessons learnt.

Day three: 3 October 2024 | Innovative Approaches to Waste Management in the Oil and Gas Industry

The final day will explore cutting-edge strategies for effective waste management in the oil and gas industry. Attendees will learn about advanced technologies and practices for reducing, recycling and repurposing waste materials. Industry leaders and experts will share successful case studies of sustainable waste management to enhance operational efficiency and environmental compliance.

Supporting the UAE's National Efforts

WETEX supports the UAE's efforts to achieve a green economy, including enhancing sustainability in the oil and gas sector and promoting efficiency, effectiveness and environmental sustainability. The UAE has successfully reduced natural gas flaring from the oil and gas industry since the 1990s, adopting a strict approach to eliminating gas flaring entirely. The UAE Government is also addressing the growing demand for energy by adopting renewable and clean energy sources, using the latest technologies to build environmentally friendly power plants.

Leading Platform

The 26th edition of WETEX has attracted a number of public and private companies specialising in natural gas. These companies will showcase the latest technologies in the oil and gas sector, including carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) for transport, as well as co-generation technologies to enhance energy efficiency. Additionally, companies will highlight blue hydrogen production technologies and smart gas networks, contributing to more efficient energy consumption management. This positions natural gas as a key driver in supporting sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.

One of the key participants in WETEX 2024 is Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), a leading integrated player in the oil and gas sector and a supporter of Dubai's ongoing efforts to advance economic diversification and sustainable development. ENOC will showcase its latest solutions, including advanced refining technologies, a smart energy management system to improve energy efficiency and leading projects in biofuels and emission reduction innovations. ENOC will also highlight its initiatives to support environmental sustainability and achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050.

“As a leading integrated global energy player, we are proud to have been participating at WETEX for over a decade now and are delighted to partner with DEWA for the event’s 26th edition. We look forward to another edition of thought-provoking discussions that are critical to today’s evolving environment,” said HE Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO of ENOC.

Zhengzhou Desen Environmental Technology Co Ltd will introduce its latest oil-contaminated soil-washing and remediation technology at WETEX 2024. Building on its previous effective soil-washing system, DESEN has incorporated multi-gravity separation and hot washing to achieve a cleaner washing effect. This technology is now being used in the remediation of oil-contaminated soil in both China and the UAE.

The Role of Natural Gas in Promoting Sustainability

In light of global efforts to achieve sustainability goals and combat climate change, natural gas has emerged as an effective solution to support the transition to a clean energy future. It plays a vital role in stabilising renewable energy systems and reducing reliance on more polluting fossil fuels. While many developed countries are heavily investing in renewable energy projects and technologies to transition to green economies, numerous nations still rely on fossil fuels to meet their energy needs. In this context, natural gas serves as a transitional solution, reducing carbon emissions in the short to medium term while providing time to further develop renewable energy technologies.

Natural gas has significantly contributed to reducing carbon emissions in many countries around the world. Its flexibility makes it an ideal partner for intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, effectively meeting energy demands during periods of low electricity generation from renewables. Technological advancements are enhancing the sustainability of natural gas, particularly through carbon capture and storage technologies, which capture emissions from power plants and convert them for storage or industrial applications. These innovations are essential to achieving carbon reduction goals and ensuring that natural gas remains part of the sustainable energy mix in the future.

WETEX provides an ideal platform to showcase innovation and solutions that enhance the role of natural gas in the transition to clean energy. It has fostered collaborations among energy infrastructure companies, investors and decision-makers, supporting this transition. The natural gas industry also provides millions of jobs globally, and any rapid shift away from it must consider the impact on these communities and economies. This underscores the importance of well-informed policies that balance environmental sustainability with economic development, ensuring natural gas is phased out only when sustainable alternatives are fully ready to meet global energy demands.

WETEX offers a platform for global organisations and companies to showcase their latest solutions and products, while exploring innovative technologies in energy, water, sustainability, green technologies, renewable and clean energy, green mobility, sustainable development and green buildings. As the region’s largest exhibition of its kind, WETEX promotes the efforts of Dubai and the UAE to support global sustainable development initiatives, strengthening Dubai's position as a global hub for the green economy. Over the years, the exhibition has become a highly anticipated global event, where stakeholders from various vital sectors converge to set new recommendations and standards, offering solutions that support current and future sustainability projects.