Welcome to OAPEC

Third Edition of the Symposium

Pathways to Reduce Carbon Emissions in the Petroleum Downstream Industries

(SPRCEPDI 2026)

Introduction

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the General Secretariat of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) is organizing the Third Edition of the Symposium on “Pathways to Reduce Carbon Emissions in the Petroleum Downstream Industries (SPRCEPDI 2026)”, to be held on
14–15 October 2026 in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the 25th World Energy Congress of the World Energy Council, Taking place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.

This edition follows the achievements of the first and second editions, both convened under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, strengthening its role as a leading platform for constructive dialogue among policymakers, industry leaders, and experts.

The Symposium serves as a specialized platform to foster cooperation and knowledge exchange among member countries and industry experts, supporting efforts to reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability in petroleum downstream industries.

Objectives of the Symposium

This edition is focused on advancing sustainability efforts to enhance sustainability in the petroleum downstream sector by highlighting the latest innovations and technological solutions for reducing carbon emissions, in alignment with global environmental objectives and sustainable development goals.

The Symposium brings together a distinguished group of experts and decision-makers from OAPEC member countries, along with international experts and representatives of leading global companies. Together, they will discuss effective strategies and lessons learned from across the sector.

Importance of the Symposium

The importance of this Symposium Lies in the rapid transformations taking place in the global energy sector, particularly the transition toward a low-carbon economy and the increasing pressures associated with reducing emissions.

These dynamics point to a clear need for more efficient and resilient models that balance energy security with environmental considerations, while keeping pace with global developments.

Strategic Themes of the Symposium

The third edition of the Symposium focuses on a set of strategic themes that reflect the priorities of the energy transition, including:

1. Clean Technologies and Advanced Innovations in Petroleum Downstream Industries

Reviewing the latest developments in refining and petrochemical technologies, along with innovative operational practices aimed at improving efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

2. Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and Direct Air Capture (DAC) Technologies

Discussing the applications of these technologies and their role in supporting the achievement of carbon neutrality targets in the industrial sector.

3. Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Applications for Industrial Sustainability

Highlighting the role of digital technologies and artificial in monitoring emissions, improving operational efficiency, and managing low-carbon value chains.

4. Challenges and Opportunities in Energy Transition Pathways

Analyzing the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of clean energy technologies, sustainable financing mechanisms, and policies supporting carbon emissions reduction.

5. Research Collaboration and Regional Partnerships for Innovation and Sustainability

Fostering collaboration among academic institutions, industry, and research centers, and developing partnerships.

Organizational Notes

The official language of the Symposium is English
Registration is free of charge
Participants are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and visa expenses
Participants are kindly requested to provide their names exactly as they appear in their passports, along with their email address, mobile number, and job title
Visa procedures will be completed through the designated link upon receipt of the nomination approval notification
Deadline for submission of abstracts: 1/9/2026
Deadline for submission of final presentations: 1/10/2026

Contact Information

For further information or coordination regarding participation, please contact:

Symposium Coordinator

General Secretariat of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC)

Dr. Yasser Boghdadi

Email: yboghdadi@oapecorg.org
Phone / WhatsApp: +965 51402141

Background of the Symposium Series

This Symposium is part of an ongoing series organized by the General Secretariat of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC). The series aims to open dialogue on reducing carbon emissions in petroleum downstream industries and to share knowledge among key players in the field.

First Edition of the Symposium (2024)

The first edition took place on 25–26 June 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was organized in cooperation with the Japan Cooperation Center for Petroleum and Sustainable Energy (JCCP) and held under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Energy.

The event focused on advanced technologies for cutting emissions, especially carbon capture and low-carbon hydrogen and stressed the value of international cooperation in moving toward a low-carbon economy.

Key Participating Entities:

Toyota Motor Corporation
Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Global CCS Institute
Mitsubishi Research Institute
JGC Corporation
Toyo Engineering Corporation

Regional Entities:

King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC)
Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR)
Saudi Aramco
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)
SONATRACH

Second Edition of the Symposium (2025)

The second edition was held on 23–24 April 2025, also in Riyadh. Following the success of the first edition, it brought together a larger group of participants and focused on specialized topics.

This edition highlighted practical ways to reduce emissions, including the use of artificial intelligence, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and energy efficiency. It also explored the growing role of low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia.

The event brought together global companies, technology providers, research institutions, and international organizations. Technology Providers and Companies: