Ashok Belani’s article featured in JPT early this year, “It’s Time for an Industry Initiative on Heavy Oil,” was, unknowingly, superbly timed.  He states, “The time is right to create a forum to discuss the challenges of heavy oil…there are still many questions, and the producers of heavy oil need the answers now.”  The time has now arrived to answer those questions, with a unique forum in which to discuss the ‘critical areas’ for research and technology development.

Inaugural Forum for Heavy Oil Industry

The first World Heavy Oil Conference and Exhibition (WHOC) will take place November 12 – 15, 2006 in Beijing, China.  The event is jointly developed by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and Government of Alberta, Canada - Economic Development (AED), on the heels of the joint venture relationship that has been in existence between Alberta and China, namely CAPC (CNPC- Alberta Petroleum Centre).  The event will be co-organized by CAPC and dmg world media, a global publishing and trade show producer.

The event aims to re-evaluate the strategic status of heavy oil, and promote its rational development and use in an economical and environment-friendly manner. It also hopes to facilitate heavy oil related-technology and advancement, strengthen the co-operation among nations, enterprises and science and technology research institutes.

"With the development of the global economy and continuous growth of petroleum consumption, it is increasingly realized that heavy oil plays the same important role and enjoys the same significance as conventional oil resources in terms of geologic distribution, quantity, processing and utilization," said Chen Geng, president of CNPC, in an open letter of invitation to key stakeholder countries.

Why Led by China and Alberta?

China and Canada own rich heavy oil resources, and already have in place the world’s leading technologies in the heavy oil sector.  The two countries have for many years been exchanging ideas in the energy sector, particularly in the field of heavy oil. China has rich natural resources and simultaneously is an enormous energy-consuming nation. China maintains rapid economic development which has offered more and more chances for international business and cooperation.  As well, Beijing has increasingly become a destination of choice since the announcement of the 2008 Olympic Summer Games, offering a beautiful backdrop to international delegates and visitors of the event.

Getting Down to Business

The Business Conference on November 13 is chaired by Mr. Xu Dingming, Director General, Energy Bureau, National Development & Reform Commission of China, and will cover heavy oil supply and demand, upgrading, transportation and refining, current status of global heavy oil projects, and strategic planning for the future.   Confirmed companies participating in the conference include Shell – Netherlands, Suncor, PDVSA, and CNPC to name a few.

Technically Speaking

The technical conference, to be held November 14 & 15, is chaired by Mr. K.C. Yeung, Senior Vice President – Suncor, and will provide information on the latest in thermal and non-thermal recovery, mining and refining, emerging technologies, drilling and completions, reservoir characterization, simulation and analytical methods, field facilities and business development economics. The Technical Conference will also be able to address producer’s concerns and challenges in the areas of potential research and development of more advanced technologies.

Exhibition of Latest Technologies

In addition, the Exhibition will showcase over 50 international exhibitors offering the latest technologies, products and services related to the non-conventional oil marketplace, as well as house International Pavilions from each of the leading heavy oil nations.

Supported by Nations

A unique feature to the World Heavy Oil Conference & Exhibition is the endorsement of leading world heavy oil nations, such as China, Canada, Russia, Venezuela, and Brazil to name a few, who actively support the endeavour via the provision of senior executives and officials offering their expertise during the planning process.  The event is officially supported by Mr. Chen Geng, President CNPC, and Alberta Government Minister Rt. Hon Mr. Clint Dunford – Economic Development, and the Chairman of WHOC, Mr. Zheng Hu, Vice President CNPC, among others.

Get Involved

Simon Mellor, International Business Development Director for dmg world media says, “We have now provided the time, the place and the forum for the world’s heavy oil industry to come together to discuss the challenges and future plans for heavy oil at WHOC. Producers, transporters, engineers, suppliers, regulators and academia should make plans to attend in Beijing and take part in these important series of discussions.”

Response from the industry is gathering momentum, leading organizers to a limited number of spaces available for exhibition space. Full details on exhibition space, as well as the business, technical and social forums registration is available by visiting the official website at www.whoc-conference.com. 

The Time Has Arrived! 

For more specific details please contact Simon Mellor at +1 (403) 209-3553.