The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is considering holding its annual Caspian Technical Conference and Exhibition in Ashgabat in 2027. The possibility was discussed during a visit by the organization’s representatives to Turkmenistan, according to Turkmen Energy Forum (TEF), a co-organizer of the International Conference and Exhibition Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan (OGT).
The delegation included Olivier Houze, SPE president in 2025; Grigory Zaraisky, who represents SPE’s business development and regional events activities in Europe and the Caspian region; and Ali Nagiev, who is set to become SPE’s regional director for Russia and the Caspian region.
The delegation met with the leadership of state concerns Turkmengas and Turkmennebit, the Turkmengeology State Corporation, and representatives of the Natural Gas Research Institute and the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas. Representatives of international oil and gas companies Dragon Oil, PETRONAS, Eni and CNPC also took part in the talks. The parties discussed opportunities to increase local specialists’ participation in SPE activities, exchange technical knowledge and develop professional training.
On Oct. 9, SPE held a technical roundtable in Ashgabat with specialists from Turkmenistan’s oil and gas sector. The meeting was chaired by Nazar Atajanov, head of SPE Turkmenistan. Participants reviewed the sector’s technical priorities, including the development of mature fields, horizontal drilling, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies, and the application of artificial intelligence in oil and gas engineering.
Following the roundtable, SPE Turkmenistan proposed developing a cooperation road map for 2026-2027. Proposed measures included technical webinars and seminars, expanding the organization’s membership, strengthening regional cooperation and attracting young engineers. Participants also discussed increasing the activity of the SPE student chapter at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas and strengthening cooperation between the university and the oil and gas industry.
The proposal to hold the SPE Caspian Technical Conference and Exhibition in Ashgabat in 2027 remains at the preliminary consultation stage and requires further coordination with the organization and other interested parties. A separate SPE roundtable is also planned during the 31st International Conference and Exhibition Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan (OGT 2026), scheduled to take place in Ashgabat on Oct. 21-23. It will focus on technical innovation, professional development and cooperation between the oil and gas industry and educational and research institutions.
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