Whilst many would agree the past two years brought many challenges across various industries and respective value chains, few may recognise the opportunity created by the transition to an evolving new norm. Energy demands, whilst expected to increase globally must align to ‘greener’ values.

Energy transition has become less about how and what we produce and operate but why. Concerns regarding climate change have led to oil and gas companies pledging net-zero targets. Recognising the role energy companies play to responsibly find and produce to meet the world’s growing demand means efficiency at all levels of our operations: talent we recruit, the nature of hydrocarbons, the energy mix as well as the quality of our products.

Technology, strategic focus, and product innovation will underpin not only commercial success, but the value created within a shared economic model. We are responsible for the impacts of our products. We must ensure our produced energy provides fair socio-economic development opportunities at a just pace of transition within the countries we operate whilst protecting our global ecosystem. A fair and equitable energy mix is also aligned with embedding a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As such, geoscience as a skillset must evolve with the changing energy demands and social responsibilities. Machine-learning, commercial savviness and alternative energy solutions are increasingly important components of our toolkit.

The basics will continue to drive world class exploration and production, and set us apart from our peers, but we must evolve to provide a sustainable future.