Chris Young

Chris Young focuses on strategy and performance improvement in the oil & gas and broader energy sector, where he worked for close to thirty years. He helps energy companies to develop and execute strategies during times of rapid change and uncertainty, to turn those strategies into concrete choices about corporate and business unit portfolios, to create operating models that align resources and capabilities, and to identify and deliver tangible performance improvements that increase operational efficiency and control costs. He has been deeply engaged in helping energy clients understand the impact of the energy transition, showing how they can shift their strategies, portfolios and operating models to reflect the fundamental changes to value chains and business opportunities that the transition is creating. He also advises clients on the continuing role of hydrocarbons in the energy mix, as countries and markets seek to balance decarbonisation, affordability and security of supply. He works with international oil companies, national oil companies, utilities and infrastructure operators, world-wide, and leads KPMG’s Global Gas Network.

Session Overview

Monday, 4 November

12:30

Leadership Roundtables 12:30 - 13:30

Fostering market stability, maintaining energy security and reducing emissions with technological innovation

Despite the urgency around energy transition, most industries within the energy sector are significantly behind in the deployment of low emission technologies at the scale required to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, with some estimates suggesting only about 10% of the needed deployment is in place today. To facilitate this transition in tandem with increased energy access globally, challenges must be addressed across technology capabilities, infrastructure requirements, innovation gaps and industry-specific hurdles, for instance, heavy industry. In parallel, however, progress and opportunities are emerging in relation to renewable energy growth, EV adoption and energy efficiency improvements.

To accelerate the deployment of low emission technologies, action will be needed across technology research, development and modelling investment; rapid clean energy infrastructure scale; facilitating policy development; enhanced global cooperation and knowledge sharing as well as near-term efficiency improvements and long-term technology development.

Attendee insights:

This Leadership Roundtable will address energy security, sustainability and future demand; it will also address the critical partnerships needed to accelerate the technology innovation needed to stay on track for a realistic net- zero future.

Wednesday, 6 November

14:00

Leadership Roundtables 14:00 - 15:30

Cross-sector partnerships: driving transformation across industries

A successful transition necessitates collaborations across various sectors, including heavy emitting sectors, uniting knowledge, skills, and resources. To date, more than 70 governments have committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, showcasing a genuine investment and dedication to the energy transition. Hydrogen, CCUS, Sustainable Fuels, and other technologies have been the focus for some clean energy collaborations, while other transport sectors, like maritime shipping, are also advancing by working alongside energy organisations. However, these partnerships should not be restricted to energy companies alone. One of the initial steps toward decarbonisation will involve methane reduction, which spans multiple industries, including oil and gas, agriculture, and waste management. Additionally, the implementation of smart technologies—such as electrification, low-emission hydrogen, and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage—will require substantial infrastructure.

According to a KPMG report, there is a rise in cross-sector partnerships to enable disruption of traditional business models, breaking down industry silos and static frameworks to create fluid, seamless and dynamic businesses of the future. To facilitate these partnerships, it is essential to create opportunities that encourage strategic dialogues and enhance synergies across sectors.

This Leadership Roundtable aims to establish a significant platform for decision-makers, business leaders, and innovators, enabling them to convene around innovative solutions and technologies that will make a lasting impact and shape the global energy agenda.

Attendee insights:
Understand more about how collaboration between sectors, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators is key to develop a responsible and sustainable energy transition and consider lessons from experience to date.