PROSPECTS FOR THE ENERGY INDUSTRY IN 2024 DISCUSSED AT KBTU

On April 11-12, 2024, the International Youth Scientific and Practical Conference "Energy Horizon 2024: Decarbonization, Green Energy, Alternative Energy, the Future of Oil and Natural Gas" was held at the Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU). The event was organized by KBTU. Dedicated to Science Day and the 125th anniversary of Kanysh Imantaevich Satpaev, the conference aimed to provide a platform for young scientists to discuss issues related to decarbonization, green energy, and the future development of oil and natural gas.

As reported by the Rector of KBTU, Maratbek Gabdullin, this was the first conference held after the creation of the university hub in 2023. The university hub, aimed at training specialists for the energy sector, was established by KBTU during the World Petroleum Council Forum in Calgary.

“KBTU is the first university to become a member of the World Petroleum Council and is now striving to unite universities from different parts of the world on energy issues. It is planned that the hub will include universities from the USA, Canada, France, Romania, the UK, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Tatarstan, and China. A decision has been made to organize summer schools at one of the universities to bring together young specialists and facilitate their adaptation to industry representatives. Also, together with Caspian Oil JSC, our university plans to open a drilling simulator at the SES PIT ‘Alatau’, where we will have five pump injectors and four fully digitalized production pumps, whose control will be conducted from the KBTU building,” he said.

The main objectives of the event were to create a space for active dialogue and exchange of scientific research, support the scientific and intellectual growth of young professionals, and establish connections between researchers and industry professionals.

Shakhzod Umarov, Head of the Navoi branch of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, noted that “the conference was meant to become a platform for discussing current issues related to the prospects for the development of oil and natural gas.” He, along with representatives from Uzbekistan's Ministry of Geology, shared with the participants information about the development of the oil and gas sector in their country and highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on the prospects for the oil, gas, and energy sectors, as per the directives of the heads of state.

Erlan Iskakov, the Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Kazan, expressed hope for the prosperity of partnerships between Tatarstan and Kazakhstan in scientific research:

“Decarbonization is one of the main challenges facing the global economy, aimed at overcoming it through the acceleration of the energy transition... The Eurasian Economic Union also contributes to international efforts to combat climate change. All the countries of the Eurasian five are signatories to the Paris Climate Agreement, undertaking relevant commitments. In the former Soviet Union countries, green energy already occupies a significant share of the market. The implementation of the green agenda of the EAEU is closely integrated with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Today’s conference allows for the collaboration of scientific institutions from Kazakhstan and Tatarstan within the framework of Kazakh-Russian relations.”

Rifkat Minnikhanov from the Academy of Sciences of Tatarstan spoke about the achievements in ecological innovations and energy sector research in the country. In the Republic of Tatarstan, most vehicles and specialized equipment, such as Kamaz trucks, have been switched to clean fuel. The country is focused on increasing wind power stations and is actively pursuing a strategy to reduce emissions into the environment.

As the International Youth Scientific and Practical Conference of 2024 was dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the Soviet scientist-geologist Kanysh Satpaev, his significant contribution to science was mentioned during the opening ceremony. The conference participants were addressed by Satpaev’s great-grandson, Andrey Tretyakov, a KBTU lecturer, who spoke with admiration for the contributions of the scientist, stating, “A scientist is a selfless person, and an example of this is Kanysh Satpaev, who dedicated his entire life to science, to the struggle for research, forgetting about his own desires.”

At the opening of the conference, a documentary film about Kanysh Satpaev was presented, directed by Berik Barysbekov. The filmmaker explained that the film is aimed at the youth, as it tells the story of the first 40 years of the famous scientist’s life, his childhood, upbringing, and the people who influenced his development.

During the International Youth Scientific and Practical Conference on April 11-12, the following important topics were discussed:

Drilling in complex conditions
Green or alternative energy
Current methods for the development of oil and gas fields at the present stage
Prospective development paths for the transport system in the oil and gas industry
Geological and geophysical methods for finding new deposits
Digital science: breaking barriers with technology
Economic aspects of renewable energy sources
The results of the conference will be published in an electronic collection and posted on the KBTU website. The best works will be recommended for publication in the KBTU Bulletin.

On the second day, a master class was held by industry representatives from TCO, Lukoil, Schlumberger, SLB, and Rosen. Additionally, an intellectual game on oil and gas topics was organized. At the end of the conference, awards were presented to the winners of the student work sections and the intellectual game. A resolution of the conference was adopted.

Source: KBTU Official Website