Crystol Energy was actively involved in the ADIPEC Conference, the UAE’s flagship energy event, which took place on 15-18 November 2021 in Abu Dhabi.
Dr Carole Nakhle, CEO of Crystol Energy and Director of Access for Women in Energy (AccessWIE), spoke at the ADIPEC’s Forum for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on potential equitable strategies to safeguard a progressive energy workforce for the future.
Some of the key points Dr Nakhle raised include:
- Significant progress has been made about increasing diversity in the energy industry; however, female representation at the top remains anaemic. OPEC itself is an illustration of how poorly diverse the industry remains today at the executive level.
- The industry often cites the lack of talent as a key challenge. However, the industry should send encouraging messages to the young generation while increasing its funding for research and scholarships at academic institutions. The latter have suffered because of the cost cutting strategy pursued by many oil companies.
- A real dedication to attracting young talent also means giving students greater visibility at industry gatherings.
Dr Nakhle also participated at the Leadership Debate session on the future of the electric vehicles (EVs), addressing the following:
- No one knows for sure how the car fleet will look like in 2040. Technological advances can easily take us by surprise.
- The spread of EVs depends on many factors including cost, infrastructure, access to electricity and regulations to name but a few.
- We should not underestimate the contribution to government finances conventional vehicles make through various sources of levies and taxes.
Related Comments
“The challenges oil companies are facing today and the issue of talent in the industry“, Dr Carole Nakhle, Nov 2020
“On the Evolving Road Towards Female Empowerment“, Dr Carole Nakhle, Sep 2018
“ADIPEC: Interview with Dr Carole Nakhle“, Dr Carole Nakhle, Oct 2016
