Over the next half-century, the global oil and gas industry will experience some transformational operational shifts, according to Abdullah El-Badri, general secretary of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec).

Speaking to Xinhua in Vienna ahead of the oil group's latest annual meeting, Mr El-Badri said that while the global energy industry will continue to be dominated by oil, there will be a far greater focus on 'unconventional' exploration.

Gas shale exploration, ultra deepwater drilling and high-tech re-commercialisation of spent wells will provide crucial contributions to continuing oil and gas production, he said.

However, in order to ensure such complex operations can be performed economically and safely, the global oil and gas industry will need to redouble its commitment to extensive oil and gas training and development, he added.

There are currently 12 members of Opec and as it celebrates its 50th year, it also welcomes Nigeria's Diezani Alison-Madueke as its first female representative.

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