The SPE Podcast

The SPE Completions Advisory Committee to the Completions Technical Director (Peggy Rijken) is launching a new knowledge-sharing initiative focused on best practices across various subject areas, presented through a series of white papers. These papers will be authored by subject matter experts(SMEs) and will reference leading SPE publications relevant to each topic. The primary objective is to provide valuable guidance and foundational knowledge for young engineers entering the discipline.
The Hydraulic Fracturing Technical Section (HyFTS) is leading the development of the first white paper inthis series, covering key topics within hydraulic fracturing. This inaugural paper will be presented andpublished at the Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference (HFTC) in February 2026.
 
Moderated by: Foluke Ajisafe, Senior Staff Engineer at Liberty Energy
 
Speaker: Karen Olson, Consulting Engineer

This session explores how the oil and gas industry can move beyond legal compliance to build inclusive cultures that authentically support employees with disabilities at every level. While policies and regulations provide a baseline, true inclusion requires a deeper, sustained commitment to accessibility, awareness, and organizational mindset shifts. Through dialogue with industry leaders and inclusion experts, participants will gain insights into how companies can foster environments where employees with disabilities are empowered to contribute fully, without barriers or stigma. The discussion will highlight practical strategies, leadership responsibilities, and cultural enablers that support long-term change and innovation in workforce inclusion.
Moderated by Mohammed Althani, Petroleum Engineering Specialist at Saudi Aramco
Speakers:Carlos Sarmiento, Director of Culture, Diversity and Inclusion at SLBTiana Ellwanger, Manager of Engagement, Culture and Diversity at Petrobras

From JPT to SPE Journal, OnePetro to technical guidance documents, SPE’s publishing portfolio is broader and more dynamic than many members may realize. In this column, I unpack SPE’s current publication options, explore how AI and open access are reshaping scholarly publishing, and share what SPE is doing to strengthen paper quality, transparency, and impact in an evolving digital landscape.
 

This SPE Live brings together representatives from an operator, service company, and academia to discuss the future of hydraulic fracturing. Over the past decades we have witnessed enormous progress in the development of unconventional reservoirs. The fundamental question is where are we going from now on and what is next? This SPE Live will shed some light on potential paths for our energy future. We will discuss current progress, challenges that are lying ahead, and whatwe should do now to get ourselves prepared. It will serve as a great precursor to the SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technical Conference next month (February). Join the online discussion to learn more about where we are heading!
Moderated by: Terry Palisch, Chief Technology Officer, CARBO Ceramics
Speakers:Mukul M. Sharma, Professor, “Tex” Moncrief Chair in the Department of Petroleum, Geosystems & Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas at AustinLeen Weijers, SVP of Engineering at Liberty EnergyAmit Singh, Senior Team Lead for Hydraulic Fracture Technology at Chevron

The SPE Reservoir Advisory Committee (RAC) convenes over 40 internationally recognized experts to address significant challenges and emerging opportunities in reservoir and petroleum engineering. In this exclusive SPE Live session, RAC-selected leaders will present the committee’s strategic roadmap, spotlight ongoing initiatives in reservoir engineering, CCUS, subsurface characterization, and energy storage, and examine how the RAC is influencing industry best practices and technological requirements amid a rapidly evolving energy sector. These discussions are informed by insights from a recent global survey of SPE Reservoir members. Join our moderated discussion with RAC experts on emerging trends in reservoir engineering, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and digital and low-carbon solutions. Gain practical insights into how RAC advances innovation, shares knowledge, and creates sustainable value across the reservoir field.
Moderated by Zoya Heidari, Professor at University of Texas A&M
Speakers:
Hamid Emami-Meybodi, Associate Professor at The Pennsylvania State University Muhammad Navaid Khan, Senior Specialist in Reservoir Engineering at ADNOC Rahim Masoudi, SPE Reservoir Technical Director. Chief Technical Lead at EnQuest/Veri Energy

What do today’s membership trends mean for SPE? While declining numbers and an aging demographic can be unsettling, the reality is that these challenges are not unique to SPE. As professional associations everywhere face generational shifts, SPE members have an opportunity to hear about the success stories ongoing now and reflect on what will sustain our community in the years ahead.
 

Legacy wells represent one of the most persistent uncertainties in assessing long-term CO₂ storage integrity. This SPE Live brings together regulatory and scientific viewpoints to explore how the risks posed by old wells can be identified, assessed, and managed. The discussion will examine how regulators approach balance assurance and oversight, while also drawing on field observations and scientific advances that reveal how leakage may manifest, migrate, and be naturally attenuated in the subsurface environment. Together, these perspectives highlight the importance of integrating evidence-based science, effective regulation, and collaboration to build confidence in large-scale CCS deployment.
Attendees will gain insights into the regulatory and assurance aspects of legacy wells, but also explore environmental “fingerprint” of leakage, its detectability, and how science-based diagnostics can support regulatory oversight. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with experts and enhance your understanding of CCS integrity and risk management.
Moderated by Leon Beugelsdijk, Front-End Development Manager, Shell
Speakers:
Aaron Cahill, Associate Professor of Applied Geoscience and Environmental Risk, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh
Margaret Copland, CS Wells Lead, North Sea Transition Authority

The Permian Basin stands as a cornerstone of the oil and gas industry, both within the USA and on a global scale. Renowned as one of the most prolific oil and gas producing regions worldwide, the Basin’s vast reserves and cutting-edge technologies have cemented its position as a leader in unconventional oil and gas plays. This region not only significantly bolsters the United States energy independence and economic growth but also plays a pivotal role in stabilizing global energy markets.
With thousands of vertical and horizontal producing wells, significant advancements have been accomplished in reservoir recoveries, efficiencies, development strategies, and technology deployments. The 2025 SPE Permian Basin Energy conference will highlight recent advancements, field results, and current challenges and opportunities from active operators within the basin. Attendees will get a unique opportunity to hear about field case studies from technical staff, and operators’ leadership will discuss their strategic plans.
Moderated by Tom Blasingame, Professor and Head of Petroleum Engineering, Texas A&M University
 
Speakers:
Luis Baez, Permian Basin Water Manager at ConocoPhillips
Johannes Alvarez, Enhanced Oil Recovery Manager in the Shale & Tight Business at Chevron

In her December podcast, Jennifer pulls back the curtain on how the Board actually works, what it takes to get involved, and the key outcomes from our most recent meeting at ATCE in Houston. A little transparency goes a long way.

From today’s actions to tomorrow’s breakthroughs—this SPE Live, hosted by the SPE Integrated Reservoir Management Technical Section, will explore how reservoir management is being reshaped for the decade ahead. The integration of human expertise with artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from concept to reality, creating new opportunities to optimize decision-making, re-tool talent, and unlock competitive advantage.
In this 30-minute dialogue, industry thought leaders will sketch a roadmap from 2025 to 2035. They will discuss how workflows are evolving from static models to adaptive, AI-powered systems, the skills and roles that will define the next generation of reservoir professionals, and the key risks and opportunities facing companies and individuals alike. Whether you are shaping corporate strategy or planning your career, this session will highlight the decisive actions in the next five years that will set the pace for the future.
Moderated by Muhammad Navaid Khan, Chair, SPE IRM Technical Section. Senior Specialist in Reservoir Engineering, ADNOC
Speakers:• Rahim Masoudi, SPE Reservoir Technical Director. Chief Technical Lead, EnQuest/Veri Energy• Sushma Bhan, SPE DSEA Technical Director. Founder & CEO, Accuria Data

The Flow Measurement Technical Section (FMTS), in collaboration with the Integrated Reservoir Management Technical Section (IRMTS), is hosting this SPE Live session to explore the evolving role of Virtual Flow Metering (VFM) as a bridge between production measurement and reservoir management. The discussion will explore how advances in multiphase metering, sensing technologies, and data- driven algorithms are enabling more accurate and reliable virtual measurements, while also providing valuable insights for reservoir performance analysis. By integrating perspectives from both flow measurement and reservoir engineering, the conversation will highlight how VFM can optimize production allocation, improve well and field surveillance, and support real-time operational decisions. Through case examples and technical insight, the discussion will present how VFM solutions are being deployed, validated, and refined to meet the industry’s evolving operational and reservoir management needs.
Moderated by Phani Kondapi, President, Jaajitech Digital
Speakers:
Lars Wollebaek, CTO, Turbulent Flux
Adilbek Mursaliyev, Product Chief, Dereknet
Muhammed Navaid, Senior Specialist in Reservoir Engineering, ADNOC

Our industry’s reputation won’t be rebuilt through campaigns—it will be rebuilt through conversation. This podcast explores how the “20/60/20 Rule” can guide us to focus on the majority who simply want to understand what we do, and why facts alone aren’t enough to change minds.

As the energy industry faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities, leadership plays a pivotal role in driving a sustainable future. Meeting the growing global energy demands while addressing environmental concerns requires leaders to adopt innovative, ethical, and forward-thinking approaches. The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Business Leadership Committee proudly presents the SPE Live: “Resilient Leadership for a Sustainable Energy Future.” This 30-minute episode will explore how oil and gas industry leaders can foster resilience, inspire innovation, and embed sustainability into their organizations’ core strategies.
What to Expect: Gain valuable insights from our distinguished speakers as they discuss:
1. Defining Resilient Leadership for Sustainability:
What it means to lead with resilience and sustainability in the energy industry.
The role of ethics, long-term thinking, and adaptability in shaping sustainable leadership.
2. Embedding Sustainability into Business Strategies:
Leadership approaches to integrating sustainability into operations and decision-making.
The importance of cultivating a skilled and sustainability-focused workforce through education and mentorship.
3. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
Strategies for fostering trust, building partnerships, and engaging communities and stakeholders effectively.
Advocacy and policy engagement to advance sustainability goals.
4. Driving Innovation for a Sustainable Future:
How leaders can overcome challenges in technology adoption and drive transformative innovation.
Opportunities for growth and competitive advantage through sustainable practices.
Moderated by Mike Etuhoko, CEO/Founder of Protekz Inc.
Speakers:
Nicholas Creswell, Former Head of Culture & Talent at Orsted
Joyce Cacho, Chair, Sistema.bio
Giorgio Delpiano, Founder, Abeille.ai

Repurposing Idle Oil and Gas Wells to Thermal Energy Storage Systems for Long Duration, Dispatchable and Distributed Electricity Delivery. There are over 39,000 idle oil and gas wells in California. State and local regulators apply pressure to abandon these wells, but their abandonment comes at a significant and often underfunded cost, and many are sources of actual or potential methane emissions. Converting these assets to Thermal Energy Storage Systems (TES) permanently seals off emissions, provides Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) and leverages tax credits available in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for this conversion. Idle oil and gas wells are ideal environments for a TES due to their large volumes and high thermal insulation. The conversion begins with standard abandonment protocols followed by the installation of a novel closed-loop heat exchanger system within the wellbore.
Using surplus renewable electricity during peak production periods, RHTHPs transfer high-temperature TES into the borehole. This stored energy can later be dispatched through above-ground Carnot Battery systems, enabling flexible LDES independent of geothermal gradients. The modular design adapts to various site conditions and energy demands throughout California and the other 31 petroleum producing states where there are aging oil and gas wells.
Moderated by Analiese Andersen, Account Executive, MicroThermal Energy
Speaker: Bill Bartling, Co-Founder, Geo2Watts and Advisor for Lillianah Technologies
 

In this first mini podcast as 2026 SPE President, Jennifer Miskimins shares the meaning behind our new tagline—Solutions. People. Energy.—and how it sets the stage for her priorities in the year ahead.
From tackling the energy trilemma to supporting members and shaping SPE’s future, join Jennifer as she explores the opportunities and challenges ahead.
 

This SPE Live explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation are revolutionizing the oil and gas industry, driving unprecedented gains in operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. As the sector navigates volatile markets and decarbonization mandates, AI emerges as a critical enabler for predictive processes, autonomous operations, and emissions reduction. Industry leaders share real-world case studies, strategic roadmaps, and emerging trends shaping the next decade of energy innovation.
Key Themes Covered:* AI’s Strategic Imperative* High-Impact Applications* Innovation Frontiers* Talent & Leadership
Moderated by Wael Ziadat, Vice President at Corva AI
Speaker:
Majed Alzahrani, Petroleum Engineering Systems Consultant and Data Scientist at Saudi Aramco
 

The Society of Petroleum Engineers Africa Region is on a transformative phase—redefining how professionals connect, grow, and lead across the continent. In this exclusive SPE Live, the Africa Regional Director will speak to bold initiatives about the future of member engagement and collaboration within the region. From the maiden edition of the SPE Africa Annual Technical Conference (ATCE) to the launch of SPE Africa Beyond-the-Border (BtB) initiative, the sustained SPE Africa YP debate and Section Officers Workshop, and the setup of different active units engaging members and the public, this session will spotlight the vision, strategy, and milestones driving Africa’s energy dialogue forward. Additionally, this SPE Live will provide insights from the ongoing SPEI President’s tour of Africa, which is reinforcing SPE’s commitment to regional inclusion, and professional excellence. Join us to learn how these groundbreaking programs are creating platforms for knowledge sharing, leadership development, expanding SPE Africa footprint across Africa and cross-border synergy—setting a new standard for regional engagement in SPE Africa.
Moderated by Emmanuella Agbo, Project Engineer, Renaissance Africa Energy Company
Speaker: Riverson Oppong, SPE Africa Regional Director. CEO, Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC)

In this exclusive Q&A, 2026 SPE President Jennifer Miskimins shares her roadmap for the year ahead, touching on key initiatives, the importance of member engagement, and how SPE can evolve to meet the changing needs of the energy sector.

The SPE Energy Transition Symposium brings together professionals from multiple disciplines across the energy sector, offering a comprehensive platform for learning, networking, and collaboration. Our primary objective is to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of knowledge drawn from the insights of industry leaders, technical experts, academics, practitioners, representatives from the financial community, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leaders. In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, staying informed and connected is more important than ever. This SPE Live provides a sneak peek into the upcoming 2025 SPE Energy Transition Symposium, happening 8-10 September 2025 in Sugar Land, Texas.
Moderated by George Koperna, CEO at Advanced Resources International, Inc.
Speaker: Maria Angela Capello, Senior Partner at Red Tree Consulting

Join us for an overview of SPE’s newly updated CO2 Storage Resources Management System (SRMS), a system that provides the carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) community with a standard for storage resources classification and categorization. The SRMS provides a consistent approach to estimate storable quantities and evaluate the commerciality of projects and presents results in a comprehensive classification framework. It provides stakeholders (governments, regulators, financial entities, etc.) a means for understanding confidence in the storage resources for their use and allow comparing and contrasting CO2 storage estimates based on project maturity and geologic certainty. It also provides context for an investment and tracking the performance of the investment. The expert moderator and panel of speakers will share and discuss how the 2025 SRMS built on the 2017 system, the key changes from the previous version, and will review the applicability of the SRMS at a high level.
Moderated by Scott Frailey, Principal Reservoir Engineer at Illinois Geologic Survey
Speakers: 
• Sylvain Thibeau, CO2 Geological Storage Expert at TotalEnergies
• Daniel DiLuzio, Vice Chair of Chevron’s Storage Advisory Committee