That we are on the path to a low-carbon future is beyond doubt. Despite disagreements among stakeholders and how we might get there, and the pace of change required there seems to be a broad unity in the long-term vision. We know we need an energy portfolio that both meets the needs of a growing population that is predicted to grow by 1.5 billion by the end of the century and satisfies the ever-increasing living standards of the existing populace. But we also need an energy portfolio that meets the needs of that environment.

What we all want is a future where there is reliable, ample, affordable, cleaner energy for the world, but this is where consensus ends. There are many different views on the best path to get there, and the pace of change required, as well as the role that oil and gas companies will play in the future.

At the recent BHGE Annual meeting in Florence, Mohammed Y Al Qahtani, SVP upstream, Saudi Aramco laid out the path the world’s largest oil and gas company is plotting to a sustainable future.

“If we can agree on what the energy future looks like, with oil and gas continuing to shoulder the major burden of the world’s growing energy needs, then what does a successful oil and gas company of the future look like?” he said. “In a word smarter.

“I don’t mean solely in terms of technology beyond shattering technological barriers and developing and promoting cleaner oil products, and we also have to improve our image, engagement and public acceptance in order to fulfill our role in society better.”