THE JUNE SPE TECHNOLOGY LUNCHEON
Tuesday June 11th 11:30am

Petroleum Technology In-Person meeting June 11 at 11:30AM

DIRECTIONS:

From the 605 Freeway---

• Exit and go East on Katella
• Turn South onto Valley View
• Turn West onto Orangewood & you’re there!

From the 405 or the 22 Freeways---

• Carefully Follow Freeway signs to
• Exit at Valley View / Bolsa Chica
• Go North on Valley View for 1 mile
• Turn West onto Orangewood & you’re there!

The Future of the California Oil Industry

Abstract:

The presentation will explore scenarios for the California oil and gas industry in the context of the evolving California energy system. The California oil industry has always had unique characteristics, and in modern times, has operated under an environment of growing regulatory and societal expectations. We will discuss both the challenges and perhaps, the opportunities arising from the trends in the California energy market, emerging technologies, and the Energy Transition.

Bio:

Donald Paul joined the faculty of the University of Southern California in January 2009 as the Executive Director of the USC Energy Institute and William M. Keck Professor of Energy Resources.

The USC Energy Institute supports university-wide research, education, workforce development, and commercialization initiatives with industry and governments in the Digital Transformation and Transition of the energy industry. Major programs include digital oilfields, smart power grids, cyber-physical security for critical energy infrastructures, industrial digital transformation, and the transition of energy systems and operations to a low-carbon environment.

Dr. Paul had a distinguished 33-year career with the Chevron Corporation, retiring in June 2008 as Corporate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. During his career, he advanced through positions of increasing responsibility in research and technology, exploration and production operations, and executive management, including appointment as the president of Chevron’s Canadian subsidiary. He also served as the senior compliance officer for Chevron’s global HSE and cyber-security functions. During his tenure as CTO, Dr. Paul founded Chevron Technology Ventures (Chevron’s technology venture capital subsidiary), the Chevron Environmental Management Company, and Chevron’s global cyber-security organization.

Dr. Paul serves as a Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C. and since 2010 has been appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Energy to serve as an academic member of the National Petroleum Council (NPC). Recently, he was a member of the Steering Committee the major 2024 NPC study on GHG emissions from the U.S. natural gas supply system. He has served on advisory boards at major universities, governments and national laboratories, oil and gas companies, power utilities, and technology companies. He is frequently recruited to speak at national and international forums on the future of energy, the Energy Transition, energy security, the cyber-security of energy systems, intelligent energy infrastructures, petroleum economics, and energy education.

• Specific industry recognition includes the World Oil Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Charles F. Rand Gold Medal for lifetime contribution to energy industry management in 2020; the SPE Western Region Health, Safety, and Environmental Award in 2018; the SPE Distinguished Member Award in 2017; the SPE International Management and Information Award in 2011; an Honorary Doctorate in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines in 2009; and the Distinguished Service Award from the U.S. Department of Energy in 2008.

On 28 February 2019, Dr. Paul was elected to the Board of Directors of Barry Petroleum Company, LLC.

He holds B.S., M.S., and PhD degrees from MIT.