Darren Woods on delivering practical solutions to advance progress

Earlier this month, Chairman and CEO Darren Woods spoke at the German Mashall Fund Brussels Forum in Belgium. In his remarks, he made the case for a balanced energy transition – one that advances global emissions reductions without sacrificing energy security and affordability.

Darren also warned against flawed policies, like the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which make it harder for global companies to operate in Europe and beyond. For example, CSDDD forces companies operating in the region to follow European regulations wherever they do business – even outside of Europe. It applies unrealistic and poorly defined climate transition plans on companies' operations that have nothing to do with the European market and includes emissions reductions that are not technically possible with the solution set available today.

This would have serious negative consequences on supplying the energy and other essential products people rely upon. Instead, Darren emphasized the need for solutions grounded in reality that address diverse economic and energy needs around the world. 

“Let’s find a way to do it in a practical, responsible, thoughtful way that doesn't jeopardize people's standards of living, that doesn’t compromise economic growth,” he said. 

Achieving these objectives starts with supportive, consistent policy. When based on fundamentals – not ideology – policy can unlock investment and open the door to new markets. That steady approach allows companies like ExxonMobil to invest in global communities and deliver the products people need.

Darren explained how ineffective policy can impede progress, “There are solutions out there today where you can begin to decarbonize what you already have – do it at a much lower cost, do it much faster, and get a much bigger impact. We just need to change the policy and start moving in that direction.” 

But we can’t go it alone. Collaboration across regions and industry is essential to scale necessary technology and infrastructure supporting a lower-carbon energy system and strengthening global energy security.

Watch Darren’s full remarks here: A conversation with Darren Woods - YouTube