Leatherhead (4 September 2007) -- In a keynote speech today at the Offshore Europe conference in Aberdeen, Robert Olsen, chairman and production director, ExxonMobil International Limited, discussed the critical role of technology in helping to meet future global energy demand.

Highlighting that many respected bodies predict that by 2030 worldwide demand for energy will be almost 40 per cent greater than at present, and that around 80 per cent of that demand will be met by fossil fuels, Robert Olsen said that the challenge will be access to the world's abundant resources.

"We no longer find and produce oil and gas in the manner our forefathers did in the 1800s. Our industry has evolved over time, and it will be the continued emphasis on technological breakthroughs that will be critical to our [the industry's] future successes."

Robert Olsen stressed the critical role which technology will play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and described examples of how ExxonMobil is taking action, including partnering with companies and governments to develop new low carbon technologies. "I am confident that future technological advances will enable an effective response to the challenge of climate change."

Emphasising the role of governments, he said: "Policies must also balance the important need to address climate risks with the continual need to meet the energy requirements of economic development, improving public health and lifting people out of poverty in the developing world."

Click here to read the speech.

Notes to editors
ExxonMobil is the world’s premier petroleum and petrochemical company, with a presence in some 200 countries and territories. It is the parent company of the Esso, Mobil and ExxonMobil companies that operate in the UK.

The Offshore Europe conference is organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers.  It is held in Aberdeen every two years and attracts over 32,000 delegates.

For further information, please visit www.offshore-europe.co.uk and www.spe.org