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Kazakhstan❜s Energy Horizon: Bridging Knowledge Sustainability and Innovation in the Caspian Region
Atyrau, the heartland of Kazakhstan's petroleum industry, took center stage as the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Annual Caspian Technical Conference and Exhibition (CTCE) transformed the city into a global energy dialogue hub. This strategic move to host the conference in Atyrau – Kazakhstan's oil capital – was more than a geographical choice. It symbolized a deliberate effort to bring world-class energy expertise directly to the region's operational core. Another symbol was that Atyrau University of Oil and Gas hosted the prestigious SPE Annual CTCE. Through its innovative programmes and industry partnerships, the university is at the forefront of preparing the next generation of energy professionals to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the future.

From 26 to 28 November, over 600 international energy professionals converged, marking a significant milestone in Kazakhstan's 125-year oil production history. The conference, themed "Leveraging Regional Strengths for Global Competitiveness," became a critical platform for cross-regional knowledge exchange and innovation.
Industry Support, Collaborative Vision and Voices of Innovation
KazMunayGas (KMG) played a pivotal role as the host organization in making the event a reality. Askhat Khassenov, Chairman of the Management Board at KazMunayGas (KMG) and Honorary Conference Chair, emphasised the significance of technical events like this one, highlighting their importance in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and developing the expertise needed to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the energy sector.
The potential of SPE as a platform to unite industry stakeholders was emphasized by Ruslan Balykbayev, Deputy Chairman of KMG's Management Board. He highlighted the importance of implementing collaborative solutions in day-to-day business as well as establishing strategic partnerships and fostering cross-industry cooperation.
The event benefitted from the support of global energy giants including Tengizchevroil, NCOC, QazaqGaz, Baker Hughes, Chevron, CNPC, ExxonMobil, SLB, TotalEnergies, SOCAR, INPEX, KazEnergy, NOV, and Atyrau Oil and Gas University as an academic partner. This comprehensive backing underscored the industry's commitment to knowledge sharing and technological advancement.

Steven Conner, General Manager of Operations at Tengizchevroil, emphasized the importance of technical expertise, knowledge exchange, and leadership development for the industry's future. He highlighted the role of professional bodies like SPE in advancing technical skills and also enabling engineers to drive meaningful change beyond corporate policies, especially in areas like operational efficiency.
Arzu Javadova, Vice President of SOCAR, highlighted the need for prioritising cleaner, more sustainable technologies. She emphasized that the future requires ambition as well as innovation, accountability, and collaboration to empower the next generation in shaping a transformative energy landscape.
Expanding Regional Perspectives
A notable success this year was the Student Development Summit, which brought together delegations from key countries including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia. The summit hosted 50 top geosciences and engineering undergraduate students, providing a unique chance to connect with industry leaders and potential employers through interactive sessions. In addition, the SPE Energy4me programme hosted practical training sessions for members, science teachers and school students on energy and STEM education, equipping the industry with the next generation of energy professionals.
Key Conference Themes
The opening day featured a Plenary session on leveraging regional strengths, SPE’s distinguished Regional Awards Ceremony, and a panel discussion on adapting to falling Caspian Sea levels. The next two days included an Executive Plenary Session on balancing energy security and transition, a panel on opportunities and challenges for gas development in the Caspian region harnessing artificial intelligence and automation and achieving global goals through localization. The conference also discussed essential technical topics including exploration, geoscience, reservoir management, drilling, production, and operational efficiency.
A significant milestone was the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Carbon Connect International, the Atyrau Oil and Gas University, and Chapter Zero Kazakhstan, outlining collaborative measures to promote climate governance and contribute to climate change mitigation, including the implementation of educational initiatives. All organizations have committed to leveraging their collective resources to champion the climate agenda and drive sustainable development in Kazakhstan and beyond.

Looking Forward
This year's event crystallised a fundamental truth: the Caspian region isn't merely a spectator in the global energy transformation – it's a driving force. Speakers unanimously underscored the critical need for collaborative approaches, emphasising both local and global partnerships to tackle climate challenges effectively.
Baku, Azerbaijan, stands ready to host the next Annual Caspian Technical Conference in November 2025, promising to build upon the groundbreaking discussions initiated in Atyrau.
About SPE
The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is a not-for-profit professional association with 127,000 members in 145 countries engaged in the exploration and production of oil and gas and related energy resources. SPE is a key technical and professional resource providing opportunities to exchange information at in-person and online events and through training, publications, and member programs. SPE maintains offices in Calgary, Dallas, Dubai, Houston, and Kuala Lumpur, and continues to be a critical platform for global energy dialogue.