DNB to facilitate debates at oil conference
DNB is a world-leading energy bank and has a major presence at this year’s oil conference in Stavanger. DNB’s stand will be an integrated part of the ONS ”Centre Court” which is a dynamic arena for presentations, debates and discussions on topical energy issues.
”The debate arena is built like an amphitheatre inspired by the Colosseum to give an informal setting to the talks and debates. This will facilitate lively discussions between the speakers and the audience during and after the presentations, both within and outside the Center Court,” says Morten Kreutz, section head in DNB’s Energy Division.
ONS has been held every other year since 1974 and this year on 28-31 August is the twentieth oil conference. The event is a showcase for the energy sector, a place to meet and discuss energy issues. The main topic this year is ”Confronting Energy Paradoxes”.
A call to debate
In 2010 ONS organised the first Centre Court, in the heart of the exhibition arena at the Stavanger Forum. The aim was to offer a dynamic arena for presentations, debates and discussions, and more than 60 presentations were held during the four days.
”The Centre Court was very popular in connection with the Renewable Park at the ONS in 2010 and was a popular arena for the conference participants where they could share their experiences and knowledge. When DNB became involved, we had no hesitation in thinking along the same lines in the planning of ONS 2012, and we have also further developed the concept,” says Morten Kreutz.
Why has DNB chosen to have a stand at the oil conference?
”This will be something completely new and unlike any other traditional trade fair stand. DNB is a facilitator for players in the energy sector and therefore not just a source of credit, but also a source of knowledge. At ONS, we will show our competitive advantages within energy expertise and corporate social responsibility, strengthen relations with our existing customers and form new ties with other players in this industry sector,” says Kreutz.
It has been confirmed that the Norwegian King Harald V, the Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Ola Borten Moe, the Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy, will attend the conference. In addition, there will be many other prominent national and international participants from the energy business both as speakers and as debate participants. Representatives from DNB will also address the Centre Court audience: Rune Bjerke, Leif Teksum, Marte Gerhardsen, Torbjørn Kjus, Per Aage Jacobsen, Øystein Dørum and Trond Bentestuen, to name just a few.
”Thanks to close and effective cooperation with the organisers of ONS, we have been able to influence the design of the entire Centre Court and become an integrated part of the concept. A top-quality programme is of course crucial to ensure that this will be a popular meeting place. We have therefore focused on subjects which the entire energy sector will find topical, whether they are in oil, gas or renewable energy. Consequently, we will address topics such as the world’s energy needs, the price of oil, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), technology transfer from offshore oil to wind, innovative developments, and environmental issues. However, as a bank, we also want to think outside the box and therefore we wish to focus on new dimensions. We believe that topics such as the importance of a good corporate reputation, ethical issues and the significance of the financial crisis for the energy sector will also generate a lot of attention,” says Kreutz.
Sharing knowledge and expertise
A new element this year is the streaming of meetings on the Internet for those who are unable to attend this year’s ONS. ”The energy sector is global and we know that important new developments within energy announced at ONS will arouse international attention. It has therefore been important for us to make what happens at the Centre Court accessible to all. In addition, those who miss a presentation will be able to see these online at their convenience.
Contact:
Morten Kreutz, section head in DNB’s Energy Division
Phone: +47 48111911