KAPSARC Engages at the 25th WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh as National Partner

KAPSARC's Participation at the 25th WPC Energy Congress

KAPSARC, the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, is participating as a national partner in the 25th World Petroleum Congress (WPC) taking place in Riyadh from October 11 to October 15, 2026. This remarkable event, held under the theme "Towards an Energy Future for All," is particularly significant as it marks the first occasion that the congress is hosted in Saudi Arabia, a country known for its pivotal role in the global energy landscape.

The WPC Congress, originally established in London in 1933, serves as a gathering point for government officials, business leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators. The aim is to address the evolving factors reshaping global energy systems, from investment and security to technology and sustainability. KAPSARC's involvement highlights its commitment to advancing energy research and policy discussions at a global level.

At the congress, more than 20 KAPSARC leaders, researchers, and experts will engage in various executive and technical programs designed to drive synergy and special dialogues. Their participation encompasses contributions to pivotal discussions about energy supply and demand, accessibility to energy, natural gas, ESG criteria, carbon circular economy, artificial intelligence, mobility options, and pathways to emissions reduction in the refining and petrochemicals sectors.

A standout component of KAPSARC's program includes a special session dubbed “Knowledge Sprint.” This session, titled Generative AI for Data-Driven Oil Markets, aims to explore the contributions of generative AI to oil market analysis and public policy research. Key discussion points will feature AI-assisted data flows, econometric analysis, scenario analysis, responsible AI practices, and transforming technical outcomes into actionable insights for decision-making.

Moreover, KAPSARC will participate in a World Café session concentrated on carbon capture technologies. This interactive gathering will convene experts, policymakers, and professionals to deliberate on large-scale deployment perspectives for carbon capture solutions. Topics include direct CO₂ capture from the atmosphere, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and biochar, examining various economic, infrastructural, regulatory, and regional challenges associated with their adoption.

In the Synergy program, KAPSARC specialists will also engage in discussions on accelerating the circular economy through collaborative action and partnerships in AI for energy innovation. This dialogue will aim to fuse energy, technology, and sustainability through research-backed perspectives.

KAPSARC's dedicated pavilion will serve as a knowledge exchange space throughout the congress. It is organized around five thematic poles, including Oil, Transport, Clean Energy, Artificial Intelligence, and Collaboration. These poles will showcase KAPSARC's research efforts, analytical tools, and expertise, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of emerging issues shaping energy systems and creating opportunities for engagement with policymakers and industry leaders.

Additionally, the KAPSARC School of Public Policy (KSPP) and the Saudi Energy Leaders Assembly (SELA) will have dedicated areas in the pavilion, further promoting public policy education, leadership development, and knowledge-sharing.

By participating in diverse programs and sessions, coupled with its thematic pavilion, KAPSARC aims to connect Saudi expertise in research and policy to international dialogues regarding energy security, investment, technology, and sustainability. The congress serves not only as a platform for sharing insights but also as a catalyst for shaping the future of energy globally.

About KAPSARC

KAPSARC is a think tank established to advance knowledge related to energy, environment, and regional economy. As an accredited observer to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), KAPSARC actively contributes to global climate action. Its mission focuses on enhancing Saudi Arabia’s energy sector while informing global policies through data-driven insights and applied research.

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