Shell has put a hold on its plans to drill for oil and gas off Alaska this year after a final test of its Arctic Containment System resulted in damage to a containment dome. Shell has committed to protecting local whaling operations and operating in an environmentally safe manner as it drills exploratory wells in Arctic waters. After the containment system is successfully tested and deployed, the company expects to receive final drilling permits from the Interior Department. Shell’s progress is being closely watched by other companies hoping to follow its lead in navigating the regulatory and technological challenges.

30,000 world leaders, industry experts, and technology innovators are expected to attend the sixth World Future Energy Summit to be held in Abu Dhabi next January. The fifth WFES, held earlier this year, attracted 26,000 attendees from 137 countries, and exhibits by 623 companies from 37 countries.

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Video Source: Shell Puts Arctic Drilling Plans On Hold for Environmental Safety; World Future Energy Summit Expects Record Crowds