In recent years, Angola has become increasingly important in West Africa’s oil and gas production. Production reached 1.4 million BOPD in 2005 and is expected to exceed 2 million BOPD by the end of 2007. Most of the output will come from deep and ultradeep water. With estimated reserves of 13 billion bbl, Angola is expected to be a key player in world oil and gas production.
SPE has experienced great growth in membership in this area as well—from 58 in 2005 to 142 as of the end of June 2006. Growth in the SPE Angola Section is expected to continue.
One of the reasons for this growth is definitely the Young Professionals program that kicked off in May 2006. The first meeting was held in Luanda on 15 May at Schlumberger’s facilities and was attended by 37 enthusiastic Young Professionals, representing almost all of the companies/contractors operating in the oil and gas fields here as well as the student chapters. At this initial meeting, three different committees were created: Technical, Social, and Communication. Tasks were assigned to each committee, and a work plan for the rest of this year is being prepared. The Young Professionals Angola kickoff meeting was a great success, and the fun followed at a celebratory event.
Some gathered for a happy hour after the event. (Above)
