Tillerson outlines need for cooperation, long-term thinking and technology innovation to meet increasing energy demand while reducing emissions

The 50^th anniversary of the development of the Groningen field, Europe’s largest natural gas field and one of the greatest energy discoveries in history, provides valuable lessons in teamwork, technology, and long-term thinking required to meet the current energy challenge, Rex Tillerson, chairman and chief executive officer of ExxonMobil Corporation said.

“Since the first days of its discovery a half century ago, the Groningen field has been an extraordinary proving ground for the technical skill, innovative ideas and inspiring vision that have helped shape the energy industry as we know it today,” Tillerson said at a conference in Groningen attended by industry and government representatives.

Tillerson said new ideas will be required to meet the dual energy challenge facing the world today – how to meet increasing energy demand required for economic growth and improved living standards while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Tillerson said explorers were disappointed when they discovered natural gas, and not oil, at Groningen in the late 1950s. Others thought the field shouldn’t be developed because of the dominance of coal as a fuel source and the potential for nuclear energy development.