The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo officially launched the fourth edition of the country’s flagship event, set to be held February 18-21, 2025 at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.
Themed ‘Connecting the Dots: Integrating the Future, 82 companies have already come on board for the event, Chief Executive Officer, Kiana Wilburg said during a September 2 press conference. The conference is expected to feature more than 70 speakers, while the expo will feature 180 booths. More than 7,000 delegates are expected to attend.
ExxonMobil has returned as the title sponsor for the event. Alistair Routledge, ExxonMobil Guyana President hailed the theme, saying it “is very consistent with the way ExxonMobil is looking at the future and the challenges that we all face in continuing to deliver affordable energy… for development of society, but doing it in a way which is more and more sustainable for the future.”
Other sponsors include TechnipFMC, Noble Drilling, Stena Drilling, and BK Group of Companies, Wilburg told attendees at the Marriott Hotel launch.
According to Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, Guyana is emerging as a global model among oil-producing nations.
“…I think, Guyana, as a new oil-producing country, that we are becoming a role model among new countries, new oil-producing countries around the world,” he said.
Bharrat expressed confidence that the event will not only showcase the country’s progress but also reinforce its position as a leader in the global energy sector. While Guyana may have been obscured to some until its oil boom, Bharrat said “Today, you go anywhere in the world, and you tell them you’re from Guyana. Believe me, they know where Guyana is.”
A key point of pride for Guyana is its status as one of the few carbon-negative countries in the world, and perhaps the only oil-producing nation with that distinction. Bharrat pointed out that while many countries are setting long-term goals to achieve net-zero emissions, Guyana has already reached a position that others may struggle to attain, and at significant cost. Looking ahead, Bharrat stressed that global energy demand is only set to increase, driven by population growth and the development goals of governments worldwide. He explained that energy, particularly from fossil fuels, remains crucial for improving the quality of life for millions of people, especially in developing nations.
The Minister acknowledged the pressure on nations like Guyana to transition away from fossil fuels but questioned whether the world is truly ready to make the shift. “In real terms, is the world prepared and ready to transition away from fossil fuel? And many people honestly would say no,” he remarked.
The Minister said any energy conference would be incomplete without placing the energy transition on the agenda, and that it is important for that to be a “just and organized transition,” particularly for countries in the Global South.
Based on Guyana’s current trajectory, Bharrat noted the country’s ability to diversify its economy while leveraging its natural resources to help meet the world’s energy needs. “Guyana has never been an economy that was built on one single sector alone. And even today, as people come to Guyana in search of opportunities in the new oil and gas sector, we have a conference that will highlight opportunities across all sectors,” he stated.
