OLYMPICS OF THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY COMES TO SPAIN

April 25th 2007

Madrid proud to host the 19th World Petroleum Congress

Spain’s oil and gas industry is to host the sector’s most prestigious event, the 19th World Petroleum Congress (19th WPC) along with the WPC Exhibitions which will be held in Madrid from 29th June to 3rd July, 2008. Known as the “Olympics of the oil and gas industry”, the event will draw 17,000 delegates and visitors under the theme: “A World in Transition: Delivering Energy for Sustainable Growth”.

Every three years, the London-based World Petroleum Council organizes this international oil and gas congress in conjunction with the member country hosting the event. “On the eve of the World Petroleum Council’s 75th anniversary, we are pleased that Spain will be hosting this important meeting where governments and oil companies, the industry and stakeholders from around the globe come together to plan the future of the petroleum sector”, said the Council’s Director General, Pierce Riemer.

Theme

The theme “A World in Transition: Delivering Energy for Sustainable Growth” reflects the ongoing efforts of the petroleum and gas industry to not only meet society’s rapidly growing demand for energy, but to guarantee cleaner, more reliable and more efficient supply. The theme also recognizes that the challenges facing the industry must be met in partnership with key stakeholders in order to seek solutions that are consistent with the principles of sustainability: energy must be affordable, it must be environment-friendly and socially acceptable.

Hosts

Spain’s oil and gas companies are welcoming the event, which returns to Europe after touring Asia, Africa and America for over a decade. The 19th WPC will be hosted by Repsol YPF and co-hosted by Cepsa. In addition, BP, Chevron, Gas Natural and Total will participate as gold sponsors; Abengoa Bioenergía, CLH, Grupo Cuñado, ENI, IBM and PriceWaterhouseCoopers as silver sponsors and Accenture, Bureau Veritas, Enagas, Grace Davison, Nexen and Teekay Shipping as bronze. BNP Paribas is the Congress´ official bank, Deloitte the official auditor and business consultant and Ernst & Young the official accountant.

Organisers are expecting the Congress and the Exhibition that accompanies it to be a great success. “Spain’s oil and gas sector is honoured to host the 19th World Petroleum Congress,” said Jorge Segrelles, Chairman of the Spanish Organising Committee. The liberalization and privatization of Spain’s energy sector has led to the internationalisation of the country’s oil and gas companies and the diversification of their activities to include all the stages in the exploration and production process. The transformation of Spain’s energy sector makes an excellent backdrop for this important event for the oil and gas industry. “In addition, Madrid is an ideal venue for the 19th WPC, thanks to its excellent infrastructure for tourism, its cultural and artistic heritage, its experience in hosting many international scientific and social congresses and conferences all year round and the warm welcome it gives visitors,” assured Mr. Segrelles.

Programme

The International Congress Programme Committee has prepared an extensive Technical Programme to recognize the scientific, technological and professional achievements of the petroleum industry. Each day of the four-day congress will start with a high-level plenary session where key issues facing the industry will be addressed. The current situation of the industry and its main challenges will be presented and discussed at round tables and forums and there will be an innovative poster session.

Leaders from international institutions including the European Commission, the United Nations, the Secretary General of OPEC, the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, the General Director of the International Monetary Fund, the Chair of Transparency International, as well as several ministers from key producing and consuming countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Canada, the Netherlands and India are expected to attend the Congress next year.

Speakers will also include the chairmen and chief executive officers from the major international oil and gas companies such as Chevron, BP, Total, Shell, ConocoPhillips, Statoil, Schlumberger, Petrobras, Marathon Oil, Eni, CEPSA and Repsol YPF.

The period for submitting abstracts for papers and posters to be presented at the Congress is officially open until 28th September 2007. The petroleum industry’s community of scientists and experts can submit their proposals online at www.19wpc.com. The Chairs of the Congress’s Technical Forums will subsequently select the ones to be featured at the 19th WPC.

Apart from the technical forums, the 19th WPC programme will include three Special Sessions on Social Responsibility, Water and Youth. Country presentations will also be an important feature where ministers will have the opportunity to describe their different petroleum industries. The 19th WPC Exhibition will also have an area for Social Responsibility where organizations which carry out environmental and social responsibility projects will provide information about their key initiatives.

Exhibition

The 19th WPC Exhibitions are to take place at the same time as the Congress. More than 120 companies representing over 25 countries from four continents will be presenting their products and services and interacting with delegates at the World Petroleum Exhibition. In addition, the Global Business Opportunities Centre will feature the national committees of the World Petroleum Council. Over 65% of the total space available for the 19th WPC Exhibitions has already been allocated 14 months before the start of the Congress.