It’s an honour to serve as the new Chair of the SPE London Chapter! My name is Mehdi Alem and I am a reservoir engineer with bp. I have been an active member of the SPE for the past 8 years.
Dear SPE London members and colleagues,
I am very glad to represent members of SPE London as the Section Chair for 2025-26.
To start, I extend my thanks to Adam Borushek for his excellent work as Chair for 2024–25. He was supported by our dedicated board and volunteers in providing a wide range of events. For the 2025-26 activities, I aim to maintain the momentum we have built to continue serving the membership with a diverse activity set as we work towards delivering the energy the world needs today and tomorrow.
‘The Energy Trilemma’ remains a key theme as we enter the second half of this decade. This term describes the complex task of finding a balance between energy security, affordability, and sustainability. The Energy Trilemma is an ongoing and complex challenge for the UK, with no easy solutions. Each aspect of the Trilemma is crucial for any nation’s energy future, with innovative approaches required for governments and the industry. Many commentators highlighted the 2020s, and in particular the latter part of the decade, as a key period when the foundations of the UK’s energy transition to net zero would need to be established. Recent years have provided many challenges meaning pace has slowed down. These include energy security, technical challenges and stakeholder alignment. There is a wide scope for involvement of SPE members in tackling these challenges, so I encourage everyone to contribute their unique perspectives and expertise.
Events held by SPE London have focused on sustainability topics such as Net Zero, Carbon Capture and Storage, and New Energies. An understanding of these topics is vital as we progress with the energy transition. The other two parts of the Trilemma – energy security and affordability– are also essential for us to build a sustainable and secure global economy. SPE London will additionally direct our attention to these topics.
Throughout the year, we will organise events that explore various aspects of the Energy Trilemma. We aim to provide valuable opportunities for our members to engage with experts, share knowledge, and expand our professional networks. I encourage all members to participate and contribute their insights and expertise.
I have benefited greatly from my membership and involvement with the SPE. I hope you too will build your knowledge and your network through your own association with the SPE. Working this year as the Section Chair, I am keen to continue serving the members of SPE London. Please reach out if you would like to volunteer or have thoughts and ideas to share.
Kind regards,
Mehdi Alem
SPE London Section Chair for 2025-26