Net Zero in Oil & Gas: Industry Leaders Outline Practical Strategies at DECARBON 2026
Oil and gas industry leaders have emphasized that achieving net zero in oil and gas operations requires more than ambition — it demands clear targets, strategic planning, and coordinated execution. This was the central message at the 2026 DECARBON conference held in Vösendorf, Austria, where global energy executives gathered to discuss practical pathways toward decarbonisation across the value chain.
Hosted by Shell in partnership with Moeve, Fluor, Gasunie, The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers, Repsol, Spiecapag and Germany Trade and Invest, the conference focused on bridging policy goals with operational realities. Executives stressed that clearly defined net-zero targets must align with investment capacity, infrastructure readiness and real-world economic constraints.
During the opening panel, energy experts, including representatives from Saipem SpA and Austrian Gas Grid Management AG underscored the need to connect emissions targets to operational capability. Rainer Klöpfer, Managing Director of Shell Austria, noted that full carbon intensity — from production to end use — must be considered. While operating plans evolve with market realities, he explained, long-term net-zero commitments require structural transformation that extends beyond immediate planning cycles.
A major highlight of the conference was hydrogen’s growing role in decarbonisation strategies. Companies such as MOL Group, Eurogas, NextChem, Alléo Energy and Italgas Reti discussed integrating low-carbon hydrogen into existing systems. Pedro Medina of Moeve highlighted refinery transformations in San Roque and Palos de la Frontera into renewable energy hubs, pointing to emerging hydrogen corridors linking Southern Europe to Rotterdam as evidence that green hydrogen is becoming a cross-border value chain reality.
The conference also explored digitalisation, regulatory readiness, and carbon capture technologies. Industry players including Siemens AG, OPEC and The Carbon Capture and Storage Association examined investment risks and system-wide coordination. Phillip Cooper of Petrofac stressed that successful carbon capture projects require early contractor involvement and system-wide engineering alignment to control costs. Over 180 pre-arranged business meetings reinforced DECARBON 2026’s role as a results-driven platform where policy meets execution — and where the future of net zero in oil and gas operations is being shaped through collaboration rather than rhetoric.
source: leadership