WELCOME TO THE 25TH WPC ENERGY CONGRESS

 

The 25th WPC Energy Congress will be held from 26 - 30 April 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The theme will be “Pathways to an Energy Future for All”.

The Congress will be centred around exploring inclusive, sustainable, and secure energy pathways that balance economic, environmental, and social goals — bringing together global leaders and experts to define strategies for the future of energy.

Attendance

The Congress is expected to attract 25,000+ participants from around the world (including 100 Ministers, 500 CEO’s).

Delegates will include Heads of State, Ministers, CEOs, policymakers, energy experts, academics, engineers, and media.

We expect representation from in excess of 100 countries.

Content

The Congress features multiple structured programmes designed to cover key areas of the energy sector including:

The Executive Programme will host a comprehensive exploration of global energy transition strategies, highlighting the roles of innovation, policy, collaboration, and finance. Global energy leaders will discuss roadmaps for a sustainable future, emphasising the need for harmonised policy and investment strategies across diverse regions. The Strategic sessions will address key pillars of the transition, including technological innovation, public-private partnerships, and the future of transportation, hearing from key industry figures working toward transformative solutions in their sectors. The programme also focuses on the broader impacts and enablers of the energy transition including social inclusion, workforce development, equitable access, and how energy systems can adapt to the realities of climate change. In particular, the Programme looks at financial strategies, including carbon pricing and sustainable investment, and investigates the disruptive role of advanced technologies such as AI. The programme also delves into the complex relationship between reducing emissions, ensuring energy security, and maintaining stable markets —offering a holistic view of the geopolitical and economic factors shaping the global energy landscape today. Key features of the programme are:

Ministerial Roundtables and Sessions - These sessions bring together over 100 ministers and their delegations to discuss global energy governance, policy frameworks supporting energy transitions, and cross-border partnerships in innovation, finance, and security.

Strategic Sessions – These sessions examine key challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector, including market outlooks, the pace of the energy transition, and emerging innovations influencing the industry. The discussions focus on strategic approaches to achieving a secure, sustainable, and inclusive energy future.

Saudi Arabia Sessions - These sessions outline Saudi Arabia’s global and regional initiatives and partnerships related to energy markets, investment, and sustainability, in the context of Vision 2030.

In addition, several WPC Energy National Committees, led by their ministers, will also present country-specific perspectives and opportunities related to investment and collaboration.

More details on the Executive Programme to follow shortly.

The Technical Programme—spanning five thematic Blocks and 30 Forums—covers the future of primary energy supply, infrastructure transformation, emerging fuels and molecules, cutting-edge technologies, and the leadership required for a just and secure transition. Topics range from new hydrocarbon frontiers, natural gas as a transition fuel, hydrogen transport, LNG innovations, and CCS hubs to advanced emissions-abatement, digitalisation, AI, and cybersecurity. The programme also highlights critical minerals, smart infrastructure, and the evolving roles of refining, petrochemicals, and circular-economy models.

Complementing these technical discussions, the Congress emphasizes the human and strategic foundations of the energy transition—policy, financing, ESG integration, Scope 3 emissions, talent development, and the global energy trilemma. With participation from global energy leaders including Saudi Aramco, CNPC, Petrobras, Pertamina, QatarEnergy LNG, and many others, this programme aims to shape a collaborative, technologically advanced, and equitable global energy future.

You can download the full Technical brochure here: https://wpcenergy2026.org/programme/technical-programme/

Additional programmes will focus specifically on Young Professionals, Diversity and Talent Development, the Circular Carbon Economy, Social Responsibility, and AI and Digitalisation within the global energy sector.

These form part of the Synergy Pavilion, more details are available here: https://wpcenergy2026.org/programme/synergy-pavilion-programme/.

Exhibition

A large exhibition floor (50,000 m²) will feature more than 300 global companies showcasing energy technologies and innovations — from renewable systems and hydrogen infrastructure to digital tools and low-carbon solutions — providing networking and business opportunities.

For more details on the exhibition, please visit https://wpcenergy2026.org/book-a-stand/.

Host Country

For the first time in its history, the WPC Energy Congress will be held in Saudi Arabia — reflecting the Kingdom’s strategic global energy role and its Vision 2030 ambitions, combining traditional energy leadership with investments in renewable and low-carbon solutions. As well as being the world’s largest oil exporter, and playing a central role in the global economy, the Kingdom offers an enthralling mix of rich history and vibrant culture whilst embarking on some of the most futuristic, large-scale building projects in the world. Saudi Arabia provides the perfect backdrop for our Congress, as country at a crossroads, committed to diversifying its economy, improving quality of life, and positioning itself as a centre of excellence for innovation and development in the 21st century and beyond.

Congress Venue

The event will be at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC) — a major modern venue with extensive facilities for exhibitions, sessions, and networking.

Additional Links

Congress Website: https://wpcenergy2026.org/

Congress RegistrationRegister | 25ᵗʰ WPC Energy Congress – Apr 26–30, 2026

Congress Brochure: https://wpcenergy2026.org/download-the-brochure/

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 Official Event News and the Producer of the Upstream Live News Centre and e-Newsletter Dailies:  Upstream logo3