Equinor sustainability global vice-president Bjorn Otto Sverdrup was the guest lecturer of a casual chat with oil and gas industry young professionals and students, last Tuesday, November 13, at Brazilian Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels Institute (IBP) headquarters. With the theme “The Role of the Oil and Gas Industry in Combating Climate Change”, the meeting discussed topics that have been dominating the debates about the future of energy in the world: energy transition, renewables and sustainability.

The talk started with an intrigued question the Equinor executive asked to the audience about what they think about making a difference at the oil and gas industry. “You are facing a fantastic opportunity”, affirmed, focusing the sector and its future professionals are part of the solution to energy issues. Bjorn advised young people always debate those topics: “Dedicate more and more time studying and talking about climate changes and sustainability. There’s no plan B”.

Bjorn spoke about Equinor recent strategic change that not only changed its name, but also became a global energy company, highlighting the three principles behind the company strategic direction: always safe, high value and low carbon. He mentioned in his presentation two renewable energy projects the company is developing in Brazil: the Apodi solar project, in Ceará (northeast of Brazil), that will begin operation in a few days, and the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in September between Petrobras and Equinor to develop offshore wind projects in the country.

The executive described the big challenge Equinor has: expect 15-20% of its investments to be directed towards new energy solutions by 2030. He also presented examples of the company commitment to reduce CO2 emissions, with carbon capture and storage (CCS) – which is some of the largest projects worldwide, with more than 20 million tonnes of CO2 already captured.

About 30 young professionals from oil and gas operators and service companies, as well as students from important universities, participated in the lecture. The Safety, Security and Sustainability global VP of Equinor Brasil, Paulo Van Der Ven, also participated.

 “This is this most appealing and emotional Rio Oil & Gas event. The leaders put aside their busy agendas and came sat down with young leaders to share experiences. We have the opportunity to discuss, laugh and try to sprout an idea in the minds of those who will be the future leaders of the oil and gas industry”, considered José Firmo, IBP president.

IBP’s Youth Committee member, Leonardo Gronenvalt, pointed out the willingness of current industry leaders to share their stories with young people. “The interaction is very interesting because all the CEOs are opened to talk about their professional experiences, personal life, how they started their careers and how they achieved those positions many young people dream about”.

To the Equinor Supply Chain Vice-president, Mauro Andrade, the main benefit of the event is the exchange of experiences between leaders and young people. “We learn a lot with them that have more open view of the world. It’s a fantastic network”, said.

Oil engineering student, Paulo Cesar Lopes, travelled from Salvador to Rio de Janeiro to visit the Rio Oil & Gas event and enjoy the dinner. “Been here is a lifetime opportunity to meet new people, with innovate ideas, and been with the CEOs that are recognized in market”, affirmed.

More than 20 CEOs from the top oil and gas companies were present at this dinner edition. Among the members of the board of IBP were José Firmo, IBP president; Alberto Guimarães, downstream executive secretary, Antonio Guimarães, executive secretary of exploration and production; Luiz Costamilan, natural gas executive secretary e Milton Costa, general secretary.

Check out the official pictures here.