Welcome to the SPE Sustainable Development Technical Section (SDTS)

The SDTS brings together SPE members who are committed to advancing the future of energy through strong sustainability, systems thinking, and technically grounded action.

We are the home of the SPE Gaia Sustainability Program, co-created by SPE members to empower engineers, scientists, and energy professionals to confidently engage with the world’s most urgent sustainability challenges. Gaia helps our community learn, collaborate, ask better questions, and develop solutions that keep the industry on the right side of history.

What We Focus On

  • Transform the Energy System – People and technology shaping a resilient future
  • Measure What Matters – Metrics for action, impact, and accountability
  • Regenerate Natural Capital – Protecting and restoring ecological foundations
  • Enable a People-Centered Transition – Supporting workforce, communities, and society

These themes are supported by two enabling behaviors essential to strong sustainability: Engage & Listen and Collaborate to Innovate.

How We Engage

Each offering provides a safe, non-hierarchical space to learn, explore ideas, and connect with diverse expertise — from operators and researchers to activists and policy leaders.

Why It Matters

Humanity is operating close to — and in many cases beyond — the planet’s safe boundaries. SDTS exists to help SPE members develop the knowledge, confidence, and agency needed to accelerate meaningful progress while ensuring reliable energy for the world.

Join Us

Whether you are at the beginning of your sustainability journey or driving transformational change, SDTS offers a global community where you can learn, contribute, and help move the needle — not just tick boxes.


Up to 100 invited attendees focused on a strategic theme and move the needle goal. 2024 Decarbonization Congress  2023 Oman Gaia Summit 2023

SPE GAIA EVENT JOURNAL


90 minute, single or series, panel or fireside, open exchange on complex new knowledge, with external and internal experts in new knowledge.

Look to our SDTS Event Archive and SPE Energy Stream for the archive of many of our Gaia Masterclasses.

Gaia Talks

30 minute webinars on Zoom or SPE Live with one guest/one host. safe space, external and internal experts in new knowledge.

Look to our SDTS Event Archive SPE Energy Stream for the archive of many of our Gaia Talks

Panels

Gaia-enabled panels/special sessions at SPE flagship events e.g. ATCE, EuropEC, IPTC etc

Section Awards

Gaia Section Awards

Contact Latam y Caribe Liaisons

Gaia on LinkedIn

2,000+ members & growing - a diverse community of oil and gas adjacent engineers and activists.

Latest Discussions

Gaia Events

Permitting to Development for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

February 05, 2026 (9:00–10:00 Central Time)

Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3a5d67b3-0c2d-4e24-8cf8-e910a679d9e6@eb1812a7-0620-4353-afe9-5b311a75dd5b/registration

Permitting and development of CCS projects involve navigating a complex mix of regulatory, technical, and social challenges. Key aspects include securing approvals for CO₂ capture facilities, pipeline transport, and long-term geological storage, each governed by strict environmental and safety standards. Permitting is critical as it ensures CCS projects meet safety, environmental, and legal requirements, providing regulatory certainty and public trust needed for successful development.
In partnership with SPE Gaia, SPE Carbon Dioxide Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Technical Section, IOGP and OGCI (Oil and Gas Climate Initiative), Ipieca is holding this webinar which will offer a range of perspectives around permitting to development for CCS.

Speakers:
🔹David Reiner, University of Cambridge
🔹Zoë Sayer, North Sea Transition Authority
🔹 Moderated by Shannon Gray, 1PointFive and Ipieca’s CCS Task Force co-chair

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