The SPE Podcast

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.