Houston 1998

The 17th Congress of the World Energy Council was held September 13-18, 1998 in Houston, Texas. It was the premier energy event of this century. Industry and governmental leaders from over 100 nations met to discuss and debate the key issues that will guide energy resource development and utilisation for the next 100 years. Over 14,000 participants, including energy ministers, senior executives, government officials, specialists, managers and reporters gathered in Houston, Texas - the heard of the U.S. energy industry and the energy capital of the world - to attend Congress sessions and the 17th Congress Exhibition. The 17th Congress of the World Energy Council celebrated the contribution to mankind that energy development and utilisation have made over the last 100 years. The programme featured Global Energy Addresses by government officials of several nations, and chief executive officers of several of the world's largest corporations. Congress sessions discussed how advanced technologies will support human progress into the next millennium by the efficient utilisation of existing energy resources and the development of unconventional resources. World Energy Council traditions provided for an array of post-Congress tours, technical site visits, an accompanying persons programme, sightseeing visits, a cultural evening, and a final farewell dinner for all attendees. Marking the 75th anniversary of the WEC, the 17th Congress also showcased the WEC triennial work programme, including studies on transportation, financing energy development, energy industry restructuring, energy development and utilisation in developing countries, and energy in the year 2050. The 17th Congress of the World Energy Council also gave delegates and guests a taste of the real Texas. Cultural events represented both American and Texas traditions.

• The Honorable George R. Bush, Former President, United States of America
• His Excellency Carlos Menem, President, Republic of Argentina
• His Excellency Jorge F. Quiroga Ramirez, Vice President, Republic of Bolivia
• The Honorable Bill Richardson, Secretary of Energy, United States of America
• The Honorable George W. Bush, Governor, Texas
• The Honorable Lee P. Brown, Mayor, Houston