IDCE 2025 Concludes in Bahrain with Strong Emphasis on Innovation, Sustainability — JMC Commits to Putting Ideas into Practice
Bahrain, October 3, 2025 — The International Downstream Conference & Exhibition (IDCE 2025), held from September 30 to October 2 at Exhibition World Bahrain, drew hundreds of global energy stakeholders for three days of deep dives into the future of the downstream sector.
Under the theme “Innovating Energy, Creating Sustainable Value,” the event featured a robust agenda of keynote addresses, technical sessions, panel discussions, and an expansive exhibition floor with cutting-edge solutions and technologies.
Key Highlights & Takeaways
Broad Global Participation & Industry Leadership
With over 150 companies from more than 50 countries in attendance, IDCE 2025 solidified its stature as a premier global downstream gathering. Among the heavyweights present, Aramco’s Downstream President Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani delivered a noted address, emphasising how digital transformation and strategic downstream expansion are critical to balancing growth with decarbonization goals.
Focus Themes: Decarbonization, Digitalization & Resilience
A recurring thread across sessions was how the downstream industry must pivot from traditional, carbon-heavy operations to more sustainable, resilient, and technology-enabled models. Topics such as AI, predictive analytics, carbon capture, and process intensification featured heavily. For instance, Al Qahtani cited that AI tools have delivered cost reductions of 10–25 %, with energy-efficiency gains of 5–8 %.
Innovators & Exhibitors Showcase Next-Gen Solutions
The exhibition hall was abuzz with prototypes, demonstrations, and live showcases. Among them was LG CNS, which leveraged the platform to display its AI-driven manufacturing technologies tailored for petroleum operations. Other exhibitors highlighted solutions across carbon capture, circular economy, low-carbon feedstocks, and optimized refinery automation.
Challenges & Roadmaps Discussed
While enthusiasm ran high, speakers and panels did not shy away from obstacles: capital constraints, regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure readiness, and talent needs were all flagged. Still, many emphasized that the path forward lies in collaboration across governments, industry and technology partners.
JMC’s Presence & Strategic Engagement
JMC was present at IDCE 2025, participating in the exhibition and attending critical sessions. Our team used the platform to engage with global innovators, explore partnership opportunities, and benchmark best practices in decarbonization and downstream digitalization.
What Comes Next: Implementation, Not Just Ideation
The ideas, frameworks, and technologies debated at IDCE 2025 will not remain academic for JMC. In the weeks ahead, JMC will initiate a phased implementation plan to:
Pilot select digital and AI-based tools in our operations to improve efficiency and predictive maintenance
Evaluate low-carbon technologies such as carbon capture & utilization (CCU) in our facilities
Partner with technology providers and research institutions to co-develop sustainable solutions
Enhance staff training and capability in emerging downstream disciplines
Monitor, measure and report progress with transparency
In short — what was discussed in Bahrain will now be translated into action here at JMC.
Summary
IDCE 2025 delivered a high-calibre convergence of technology, policy and industry foresight in the downstream energy space. JMC was present, fully engaged, and now committed to implementing the cutting-edge ideas and strategies highlighted during the event.