The MENA Future Energy & Decarbonisation Summit, a one-day virtual event hosted by MEED, will take place on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 and explore the need for localised, reliable energy solutions for a low-carbon future.
In the MENA region, there is growing pressure to decarbonise the regional energy system while decreasing hydrocarbon reliance. Working towards operating more sustainably while becoming less reliant on oil is part of the 2030 Visions of Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Qatar. Abu Dhabi, for instance, has established the Abu Dhabi Hydrogen Alliance to help build a substantial green hydrogen economy in the UAE, while positioning Abu Dhabi as key supplier of hydrogen as demand for it grows globally.
The summit will explore the evolving energy market as panellists discuss how to develop the hydrogen market in the Middle East, the ways in which organisations can decarbonise big industry, the role of 4th industrial revolution tech in future energy, the outlook for cleantech investment and more. Audiences will be able to network with a high-profile selection of government dignitaries, prominent investors, and stakeholders while expanding their understanding of future energy and decarbonisation.
“The decarbonisation of the economy will be one of the primary drivers of business activity in the Middle East and North Africa for decades to come,” says MEED editorial director Richard Thompson. “The goal of reducing the region’s carbon footprint and conserving its energy resources touches on every aspect of government policy and will be key in shaping future investment decisions and project spending. This will create abundant new opportunities for companies that can bring the right solutions. From digital data technology that optimises the performance of infrastructure, to renewable energy megaprojects, governments and developers want to seek out and work with companies that can help them to fast-track the region’s future energy agenda.”
The first panel, featuring speakers from Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures, Siemens Energy Middle East and UAE, and Dubai Supreme Council of Energy will explore what the energy market will look like in 30 years. The panel will discuss the factors influencing the shift from big oil to big energy including the role of governments, shifting investor policies, a more conscious public, and cheaper renewable technologies.
A second panel discussion, Hydrogen - the missing piece to a fully decarbonised economy, will explore the role that hydrogen plays in the Middle East, building towards green hydrogen and how this can be made a cost-effective alternative. Leaders from IRENA, EU GCC Clean Energy Network, Khalifa University and Siemens Energy will participate on this panel. Following this, Etihad Aviation Group’s Head of Sustainability, and Chief Research Scientist from Khalifa University will explore the green hydrogen economy.
Experts from Clean Energy Business Council and Renault Middle East will discuss the decarbonisation of transport. ‘The decarbonisation of transport is a huge aspect of creating a greener future for everyone, and while big gains have been made there is still a lot of work to do. I am very excited to be hosting a discussion on this topic during the Future Energy & Decarbonisation Virtual Summit, discussing all the policies, costs, technology involved”, says Ahmed Samir Elbermbali, Managing Director, Clean Energy Business Council.
Finally, attendees can hear from Deloitte on creating a competitive environment to foster future energy innovation.
During the virtual summit, attendees will be able to participate in round tables and virtual speed networking sessions including 1-on-1 meetings with a range of industry stakeholders.
The MENA Future Energy & Decarbonisation Summit will take place on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 from 9am to 3:45pm GST. The events platform will remain open for networking till 3pm the next day.
