SPE Live Podcast: Repurposing Idle Oil and Gas Wells to Thermal Energy Storage Systems

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

Join us for an SPE Live Podcast on unlocking HSE and sustainability excellence, identifying opportunities, addressing gaps, and shaping the future of production and operations through innovative strategies, collaborative approaches, and cutting-edge technologies to ensure a safer, more sustainable, and environmentally responsible industry. Moderated by Johana Dunlop, former SPE HSES Technical Director. Head of Membership at IOGP. Speakers: • Sue Staley, SPE HSES Technical Director. Sustainability Director at vPSI Group LL • Hamad Al-Marri, SPE Production and Operations (P&O / P&F) Technical Director. VP, Production Eng & Well Completion at Saudi Aramco

Hydrogen is no longer just a future promise — it’s already being deployed in real-world projects today. In this SPE Live, we will highlight key current applications of hydrogen and ammonia, particularly in industry, shipping, and power. We will then explore what is realistically expected by 2050, based on project trends, policy shifts, and market developments. The conversation will also touch on the importance of policy support, full life-cycle emissions tracking, and the evolving global trade in low-carbon hydrogen derivatives like ammonia and e-fuels. As the value chain evolves, a parallel effort is urgently needed to build the future workforce — equipping today’s professionals and preparing new talent with the right technical and commercial skills to support and scale low-carbon hydrogen solutions. The goal is to give participants a clear, grounded view of where we are now — and where we could go next. Moderated by Ibrahim Muritala, Global Hydrogen Leader at ABS, Global Sustainability Center Speakers: * Magdy Mohamed, Technical Development Manager at XRG * James E. Fesmire, Co-founder, Executive Vice President and Chief Architect at GenH2 Corp.

Join this dynamic SPE Live as we explore the energy industry’s decarbonization agenda in the Asia-Pacific region. This session delves into the critical challenges and opportunities shaping the region’s low-carbon future. From policy and regulation to technology and innovation, we will uncover practical strategies for accelerating decarbonization while highlighting the vital role of collaboration and knowledge sharing within the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). Why Attend: • Gain actionable insights into decarbonization strategies tailored for the Asia-Pacific region. • Learn how SPE is shaping the energy sector’s transition through innovation and collaboration. • Discover opportunities to contribute to the industry’s low-carbon future by engaging with SPE’s global community. Speakers: • Hazli Sham Kassim, SPE Asia Pacific Regional Director (2023-2025). Vice President, Development, Upstream, PETRONAS Energy • Koji Yamamoto, SPE Asia Pacific Regional Director (2025-2027). Vice President, Energy Business Unit, JOGMEC Moderated by Margaretha Thaliharjanti, Vice President Energi Institute at PT Pertamina (Persero)