SPE Live Podcast: Understanding Legacy Well Risks in CCS Projects

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