Mediterranean Offshore Conference & Exhibition (MOC 2024) held a session titled “Innovations in the Energy Sector Driving Safety & Sustainable Growth,” featuring Alaa Al-Batl, First undersecretary for Enegy efficiency & Climate – Ministry of Petroleum & Mineral Resources, Alessandro Politi, CEO of Saipem, and Tarek Shabaka, CEO of Mideast Communication Systems (MCS).

During the session, Geologist Alaa Al-Batl emphasized that the petroleum sector places significant importance on safety and occupational health, which have become a mindset and culture rather than just a matter of clothing. He pointed out that providing a safe working environment positively contributes to increasing production rates.

He added that projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions have become a priority for everyone, with substantial efforts being made in this area. The petroleum sector aims to align with Egypt’s strategy on these projects, noting that a center for energy efficiency is being established in Alexandria to support this strategy and train personnel. Collaboration with partners and stakeholders is ongoing across all projects to implement these principles and achieve success. He highlighted that the sector played a significant role in spotlighting energy efficiency projects at COP27, held in Sharm El Sheikh in February 2022. The sector aims for a carbon emissions reduction of up to 17% over the next year, and the energy efficiency center will contribute to building the capacities of many workers, alongside the establishment of an energy efficiency management division within all companies in the sector.

Sandro explained that Saipem’s experience in executing oil and natural gas projects demonstrates the importance of continuous technical development and modernization efforts in securing the petroleum industry. Therefore, technological innovations ensure the sustainability and advancement of the industry, meeting production increase goals, and fulfilling safety, health, and environmental protection requirements while reducing emissions and achieving decarbonization.

Shabaka affirmed the close relationship between the development of the petroleum industry and technological advancements, along with increased awareness of optimizing the use of these technologies, especially in terms of implementing safety and health standards, which provide an economic dimension and secure industrial operations. He noted that artificial intelligence is a significant resource, with its applications providing crucial support for these efforts.