Originally published Sept. 21, 2024 at The Narwhal. Read the full story here.

Early in the morning on Sept. 18, the first full day of the World Petroleum Congress in Calgary, the hall was largely empty. Volunteers and security far outnumbered the delegates in the cavernous BMO Centre on the edge of downtown. Exhibitors stood around waiting for someone to talk to, or warming up the many espresso machines meant to lure crowds to their booths. In one case, a woman walked with outstretched arms, counting steps while trying to balance on a line made by carpet seams.  

That balancing act was the first taste of the actual theme that permeates the congress. The official theme of the massive gathering of oil and gas companies, politicians, executives and workers from around the world is “Energy Transition: The Path to Net Zero,” suggesting a sort of map to some inevitable green future. But as the event wraps up today, it’s clear that the way is far from steady for those who control our energy systems. 

Everyone, if it’s to be believed, wants the same thing. Decarbonization, net-zero emissions at some point in the future (despite disagreements on the timing), investments in all manner of technologies — proven or hoped for — are on the lips of ministers from Libya, advisors from Saudi Arabia, executives from the United States and, yes, even a certain premier in Alberta. 

But moving forward with all of those hopes and dreams is contingent on forces of progress and resistance, balance sheets and shareholders, the very real limitations of technology and the speed with which a global energy system designed around hydrocarbons can shift. Not to mention the political will and policy designs of leaders.

The reasons for resisting a transition are many — a lack of energy and development in large areas of the world, the need for secure energy following the start of the war in Ukraine, the cries of multi-billion-dollar multinationals about the cost burden and the insistence of political leaders on the long-term need for fossil fuels as a part of the global energy mix.

The night before that solitary seam walk on the exhibition floor, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and federal Minister of Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson laid bare the political divisions that exist in Canada. During her introductory speech to the congress Smith denounced Wilkinson for talking about the very theme of the gathering — the nuts and bolts of transition — while also promising a reduction in emissions without a drop in production. 

READ THE FULL STORY AT THE NARWHAL.