The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is a professional organization whose mission is to collect, disseminate, and exchange technical knowledge concerning the exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources and related technologies for the public benefit and to provide opportunities for professionals to enhance their technical and professional competence.[1]
SPE provides a worldwide forum of oil and natural gas exploration and production (E&P) professionals for the exchange of technical knowledge and a professional home for more than 75,000 engineers, scientists, managers, and educators. SPE's eLibrary contains more than 42,000 technical papers — products of SPE conferences and periodicals, made available to the entire industry. SPE has offices in Dallas, Houston, London, Dubai, Moscow and Kuala Lumpur.
The history of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) began well before its actual establishment. During the decade after the 1901 discovery of the Spindletop field, the American Institute of Mining Engineers (AIME) saw a growing need for a forum in the booming new field of petroleum engineering. As a result, AIME formed a standing committee on oil and gas in 1913.
In 1922, the committee was expanded to become one of AIME’s 10 professional divisions. The Petroleum Division of AIME continued to grow throughout the next three decades. By 1950, the Petroleum Division had become one of three separate branches of AIME, and in 1957 the Petroleum Branch of AIME was expanded once again to form a professional society.
The first SPE Board of Directors meeting was held 6 October 1957, making 2007 the 50th anniversary year for SPE as a professional society.
The following chronology lists major events in SPE's history and shows how membership has grown over time.
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SPE has instituted a program to certify petroleum engineers by examination and experience. The certification states that the person receiving the certification has the necessary technical expertise and experience to be a petroleum professional.
This certification is similar to the Registration of Petroleum Engineers by the States in the United States.
The Society of Petroleum Engineers has determined the classication of oil and gas reserves. This classification is used by Oil and Gas Companines and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in determining the reserves. Petroleum Resources Management System