Oil and gas industry experts have stressed the importance of a strategic approach and clearly defined Net Zero targets in modern operations, a key takeaway from the 2026 DECARBON conference held in Vösendorf, Austria. The event, hosted by Shell in partnership with major energy and infrastructure firms, focused on practical decision-making at the intersection of policy, technology, and implementation across the oil and gas value chain.
The conference opened with an Executive Panel linking emissions targets to operational capabilities, with contributions from companies including Petro IT, Saipem, Austrian Gas Grid Management, and Chromalox. Speakers emphasised that strategic planning and regular operational updates are essential to meet both immediate economic realities and long-term net-zero goals, while maintaining structural progress across the sector.
Discussions highlighted concrete low-carbon solutions, including hydrogen as a decarbonisation tool. Experts from MOL Group, Eurogas, NextChem, Moeve, and Italgas Reti shared insights on integrating low-carbon hydrogen into existing infrastructure and cross-border European value chains, while Moeve detailed its transformation of refineries into renewable fuel and green hydrogen hubs.
Roundtable sessions explored digitalisation for emissions performance, institutional readiness, and decarbonisation pathways in upstream and downstream operations. Companies including Siemens, TotalEnergies, Wood, OPEC, and VEM Sachsenwerk presented case studies on energy efficiency, low-carbon fuels, and operational levers for emissions reduction, reinforcing the role of technology and compliance in achieving Net Zero.
The conference concluded with a focus on evaluation, optimisation, and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS). Experts from Petrofac, Reganosa, and The Carbon Capture and Storage Association stressed the need for early contractor involvement, integrated system engineering, and collaborative project delivery to ensure cost-effective and effective decarbonisation. Over 180 structured B2B sessions facilitated targeted networking and follow-up projects, cementing DECARBON 2026 as a platform for actionable, implementation-focused dialogue.
