High-level discussions in Ashgabat advance petroleum engineering expertise, international technical cooperation and preparations for the SPE Roundtable at OGT 2026, while exploring the possibility of hosting the Caspian Technical Conference in 2027.
A high-level delegation from the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), one of the world's leading professional organisations serving the upstream oil and gas industry, visited Turkmenistan to strengthen cooperation in petroleum engineering, technical education, scientific research and professional development.
The visit took place ahead of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan (OGT 2026), scheduled for 21–23 October in Ashgabat. A dedicated SPE Roundtable, planned in conjunction with the conference, will provide an additional platform for technical knowledge exchange, professional networking and dialogue between international experts and Turkmenistan's energy industry.
The discussions also focused on expanding the activities of SPE Turkmenistan, strengthening cooperation across the Caspian region and exploring the possibility of hosting the SPE Annual Caspian Technical Conference and Exhibition in Ashgabat in 2027.
The delegation included Olivier Houzé, 2025 SPE President; Grigory Zaraisky, representing SPE's business development and regional event activities in Europe and the Caspian region; and Ali Nagiyev, incoming SPE Regional Director for Russia and the Caspian region.
The visit highlighted Turkmenistan's growing engagement with the international petroleum engineering community and its potential to strengthen its role as a regional platform for technical knowledge exchange, professional collaboration and innovation.
Strengthening International Professional Cooperation
During the visit, the SPE delegation held meetings with the leadership of the State Concerns Turkmengas and Turkmennebit, the State Corporation Turkmengeology, the Natural Gas Research Institute of Turkmengas, and representatives of the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation between Turkmenistan's national energy organisations and the international petroleum engineering community. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening engineering competencies, facilitating the exchange of technical knowledge and best practices, advancing scientific research and supporting the professional development of young specialists.
A central priority was the further development of the SPE Turkmenistan Section, including expanding its membership, encouraging greater participation of Turkmen specialists in international technical conferences and professional development programmes, and strengthening collaboration between industry professionals, researchers and students.
The delegation also met with representatives of leading international energy companies operating in Turkmenistan, including Dragon Oil, PETRONAS, Eni and CNPC. These discussions explored opportunities to broaden industry participation in SPE activities, promote technical knowledge sharing and support professional development initiatives for engineers working in Turkmenistan.
Particular attention was given to revitalising SPE student activities at the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University, creating opportunities for future petroleum engineers to benefit from international professional networks, technical competitions, mentoring and access to industry expertise.
Together, these engagements demonstrated the importance of closer cooperation between government institutions, industry, academia and international professional organisations in developing the technical capabilities required for the long-term advancement of Turkmenistan's energy sector.
Advancing Technical Expertise Through the SPE Turkmenistan Roundtable
An important part of the delegation's programme was a technical roundtable held on 9 October at the Natural Gas Research Institute of Turkmengas in Ashgabat, bringing together SPE representatives, engineers, researchers and members of the SPE Turkmenistan Section.
Chaired by Nazar Atajanov, Chairman of SPE Turkmenistan, the roundtable examined opportunities to strengthen professional development, expand technical knowledge-sharing initiatives and increase the participation of Turkmenistan's engineers in the international SPE community.
Olivier Houzé presented an overview of global energy transition trends and SPE's role in supporting technical knowledge exchange and professional development across the energy industry.
Ali Nagiyev highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation among SPE sections in the Caspian region, while Grigory Zaraisky outlined opportunities available through SPE's international network, including technical conferences, professional training and knowledge-sharing programmes.
Participants identified several priority areas for future technical cooperation, including mature field development, horizontal drilling technologies, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), and the application of artificial intelligence to engineering and operational challenges.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of maintaining strong fundamental engineering knowledge as digital technologies and artificial intelligence become increasingly integrated into petroleum engineering applications.
Particular emphasis was placed on the professional development of young specialists, the revitalisation of SPE student activities and the importance of scientific publications in sharing research findings and technical innovations.
Building on the outcomes of the visit, SPE Turkmenistan proposed developing a 2026–2027 roadmap focused on regular technical webinars, professional seminars, expanded membership, student engagement and closer collaboration with SPE sections across the Caspian region.
The proposed initiatives are intended to provide a practical framework for sustained cooperation between Turkmenistan's petroleum engineering community and international industry experts.
Connecting Turkmenistan's Energy Professionals with a Global Network
Founded in 1957, the Society of Petroleum Engineers is an international, not-for-profit professional association dedicated to advancing technical knowledge and professional excellence in the upstream energy industry.
With more than 132,000 members across 146 countries, according to SPE figures published in 2025, the organisation supports petroleum engineering through international conferences, technical publications, professional training, knowledge-sharing platforms and educational programmes.
Its global network connects engineers, geoscientists, researchers and students with emerging technologies, scientific developments and international industry best practices.
For Turkmenistan, strengthening cooperation with SPE offers opportunities to enhance national engineering capabilities, support the professional development of young specialists and increase the international visibility of the country's scientific and industrial expertise.
Such cooperation is particularly relevant as Turkmenistan advances major projects in natural gas development, exploration, reservoir management, drilling, gas processing and energy infrastructure.
Ashgabat Considered as a Potential Host of the SPE Caspian Technical Conference in 2027
One of the most significant subjects discussed during the visit was the possibility of organising the SPE Annual Caspian Technical Conference and Exhibition in Ashgabat in 2027.
Recognised as a major regional technical gathering for the upstream energy industry, the conference brings together representatives of national and international oil and gas companies, universities, research institutions, engineering organisations and technology providers.
Previous editions have demonstrated the conference's contribution to regional scientific cooperation and the exchange of practical engineering experience.
The 2024 conference was held in Atyrau, Kazakhstan, on 26–28 November, bringing together industry professionals to discuss exploration, production optimisation, reservoir technologies and innovative solutions relevant to the Caspian energy sector.
The 2025 edition took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, attracting more than 500 delegates from over 30 countries and representatives of approximately 100 companies. Its programme featured industry discussions, technical presentations and an exhibition highlighting energy technologies and services.
The 2026 conference is scheduled to return to Atyrau on 24–26 November.
Against this background, the possibility of holding the 2027 edition in Ashgabat presents an opportunity to further expand the conference's regional reach and strengthen technical cooperation across the Caspian region.
Hosting such an event could bring international specialists, researchers, technology developers and senior industry representatives to Turkmenistan, while providing local engineers, scientists and students with direct access to international expertise and professional networks.
The discussions held in Ashgabat formed part of an initial assessment of the opportunities and organisational requirements associated with a potential future conference. Any hosting arrangements would remain subject to further consultations and the necessary approvals.
SPE and OGT 2026: Strengthening the Technical Dimension of International Energy Dialogue
The visit also reinforced cooperation between SPE and the organisers of the 31st International Conference and Exhibition Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan (OGT 2026), taking place on 21–23 October in Ashgabat under the theme “Energy. Partnership. Progress.”
SPE is expected to contribute to the wider OGT 2026 programme through a dedicated technical roundtable, bringing together representatives of the international engineering community, industry professionals and specialists from Turkmenistan's energy sector.
The roundtable will provide an opportunity to discuss professional development, technical innovation, industry–academia cooperation and the importance of preparing the next generation of energy specialists.
The collaboration reflects the complementary roles of the two organisations. OGT serves as an international platform for strategic energy dialogue, investment and industrial partnerships, while SPE contributes specialist technical expertise, international professional networks and opportunities for scientific knowledge exchange.
Together, these initiatives can strengthen the connection between energy policy, industrial development, applied research and professional education, supporting the exchange of practical expertise across the sector.
Advancing Ashgabat's Role as a Regional Energy Knowledge Hub
The SPE leadership visit comes as Turkmenistan continues to expand international energy cooperation and strengthen the professional capabilities needed for the long-term development of its oil and gas industry.
Alongside major international gatherings such as OGT, closer engagement with global technical associations offers opportunities for Ashgabat to develop as an increasingly important meeting point for energy companies, engineers, scientists and educational institutions from across the Caspian region and beyond.
The expansion of professional networks, technical conferences and joint educational initiatives can support knowledge transfer, improved operational practices and the development of highly qualified national specialists.
The outcomes of the SPE delegation's visit, including the proposed roadmap for SPE Turkmenistan, preparations for the OGT 2026 technical roundtable and initial discussions on a potential Caspian Technical Conference in 2027, establish a foundation for continued professional cooperation.
As Turkmenistan prepares to welcome the international energy community to OGT 2026, these initiatives underline the country's commitment to strengthening technical expertise, advancing scientific collaboration and building lasting partnerships across the regional and global energy industry.
OGT 2026 — Energy. Partnership. Progress.
21–23 October 2026 | Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Official website: www.ogt-turkmenistan.com
