Many of the 225 papers presented focused on R&D taking place in research facilities around the world. And a series of plenary addresses that opened each day of sessions also looked to the future - in one case, all the way to 2050. In all, some 500 attendees from 30 countries took part in the four-day event that takes place every other year.
For Moran, the search for additional energy sources has to go beyond oil, "our Achilles heel." While proved and probable reserves from known fields may yield in excess of 850 billion barrels, he said annual usage is now 30 billion barrels and that is expected to rise to 38 billion by 2015. "Do the math," he said, noting supplies may last anywhere from 26 to 33 years.