Connecting energy professionals. Advancing knowledge. Empowering the next generation.
Established in 1990, the German Section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (GSSPE) is dedicated to the dissemination of technical knowledge and the development of students and professionals in petroleum engineering, geosciences, and related disciplines. The section is led by a volunteer board and forms part of the global SPE network, which comprises more than 100,000 members worldwide.
The GSSPE represents a broad membership base, including industry professionals, researchers, students, and retirees. While many members are active in the upstream oil and gas sector, the section also includes a growing community engaged in geothermal, hydrogen and other emerging energy technologies. Given the international nature of the industry, most GSSPE events are conducted in English.
The section organizes a wide range of activities, including technical lectures, Distinguished Lecturer presentations, workshops, field excursions, and the annual Student Technical Congress. These events support interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and foster collaboration across academia, industry, and government institutions.
A key focus of the GSSPE is the support of young professionals. The section maintains close cooperation with three student chapters at the universities of Aachen, Clausthal, Freiberg, and annually recognizes outstanding student achievements through dedicated awards. In addition, a strong and committed Young Professionals Committee plays an active role in organizing events that bring together early‑career engineers from diverse backgrounds and countries. Their goal is to build bridges of knowledge, collaboration, and friendship that extend far beyond borders.
The GSSPE collaborates with national and international organizations, including other SPE sections, the DGMK (German Society for Sustainable Energy Carriers, Mobility and Carbon Cycles e.V), and the BVEG (German Association of Natural Gas, Oil and Geothermal Energy), to strengthen technical exchange and contribute to the advancement of the energy sector.