An expression of trust
Every ONS event since 1974 has been given a central theme. This year’s theme was “trust.” It was very apt given some of the broader geopolitical events happening worldwide and the ramifications for the energy industry. The war in Ukraine has illustrated the critical importance of energy security, and there was a recognition at ONS 2022 that we need all stakeholders in the energy space – including traditional oil and gas, renewables, regulators, or governments – to come together.
Trust has been spoken about for several years, but commercial competition has previously trumped collaboration. But the conversations were more serious this time. Now we need genuine cooperation through the sharing of data, best practices, and technological innovations to help secure global energy supply chains. Let’s hope that by ONS 2024, we’ll be talking about how we can build on all the progress the sector has made.
ONS retains pulling power
Elon Musk’s interview in the opening session of the exhibition was the hottest ticket in town, with standing room only in Hall 10 of the conference center. Musk told delegates that “we need more oil and gas, not less,” highlighting the necessity for hydrocarbons to be part of the transition to a more sustainable energy future. Much has been made of his comments, and Musk certainly brought great energy and star power to the event.
If Musk brought sizzle to ONS 2022, then Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store brought the substance. Store tapped into the event’s central theme, saying Norway “will remain a stable, predictable and, not least, a trustworthy European energy partner.” He used his address to highlight the efforts of operators in the Norwegian Continental Shelf, which have helped increase European natural gas production by 10%. He pledged he would do everything to ensure the much-needed uplift continues.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, addressed the audience via video link, praising Norway’s role in energy security and condemning Russia’s throttling of gas supply to Europe. The CEOs of Equinor and TotalEnergies, Anders Opedal and Patrick Pouyanne, also spoke in the opening session. The blue-chip line-up confirmed that ONS will continue to attract standout speakers even after a four-year absence.
