Conference Programmes

The grid holds the key to a sustainable future. As we transition toward renewable energy sources, we must address critical issues to maximize its impact. Any future grid must match a country's ambitions, and upgrading infrastructure to accommodate large-scale renewables is essential. This also means giving the supply chain - often overlooked - attention. Funding and maintaining this intricate web of transmission lines and substations remain critical challenges. How can policy frameworks encourage grid upgrades in sync with renewable energy goals? Could privately owned transmission system operators be the catalyst for grid evolution? And what incentives would drive their active participation?

Senior Representative, EDF
 

As we navigate the transition toward cleaner energy sources, the grid - the backbone of our power distribution system - stands at a critical crossroads. Grid stability is paramount. How can we secure the necessary investment for grid upgrades? Is private funding required? As Electric Vehicle use and data centres builds expand, how do we ensure a smarter, more flexible grid can support their energy needs in addition to citizens' and businesses everyday requirements. 

Yasin Kasirga, Decarbonization Leader - Middle East & Africa, GE Vernova
 

Michael Sronce, Managing Director & Vice President, Sargent & Lundy
 

Natural gas has a long-term role in the energy transition that will not end anytime soon. Gas plants provide stability, bridging the gap while renewables scale up. Can they also be a green transition catalyst, replacing the use of heavy fuel oil on the route to clean alternatives - a decarbonising, if not decarbonised, energy source in some countries or sectors? How can countries optimise their gas resources to complement clean energy? Are there lessons to be learned from retiring gas-based capacity prematurely - how do we ensure a synchronised low carbon transition without leaving the grid in the dark?

Are we underestimating the potential of mini/micro grids? These systems should not be seen as just small-scale power providers, but as versatile micro-utilities capable of delivering energy, water, and cooling. This perspective is particularly relevant for data centres, which require reliable and efficient resource management. However, their effectiveness often hinges on their ability to operate independently and in conjunction with the main grid, ensuring a robust and continuous supply, even during main grid failures. By embracing this broader perspective, can we unlock the full potential of mini/micro grids, making them pivotal in the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure? 

Daniel Zywietz, Founder & CEO, Enerwhere

This session will explore how artificial intelligence will be used to make Energy systems more efficient. Whilst not heavily in use today, what is the future of AI in energy, what levels of investment will be required for its effective use and despite being power hungry, what role will it play in energy decarbonisation? 

Dr Morgan Eldred, Founder, Digital Energy 

Nawel Mahmoudi, Co-Founder and CEO, ValueGrid

Figures vary, but an AI search takes about 17x more energy than a normal Google search. There is also a surge globally in the build and use of data centres – the IEA estimates that by 2026 new data centres will add the power consumption of Sweden at a minimum (and Germany in a worst-case scenario). Will this extra use put a strain on energy planning for capacity needs? Can its increased requirements be met sustainably? This session will explore what the rapid expansion of AI use and data centres will mean for energy systems and future energy planning

Dr Christopher Cooper, CEO, AIQ

Digital technologies and data insights are revolutionising energy systems. They enhance connectivity, intelligence, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. As we embrace these new technologies, how are they positively impacting energy transition and shaping a more interconnected and efficient energy future? 

• 15.45: Beyond panels cleaning – the future of robotics and automation 
• 16.00: Data management platforms 
• 16.15: Digital skills in an energy transition era

The upcoming 2025 submission of UNFCCC Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) could play a crucial role in shaping global energy strategies. As nations revise their decarbonisation roadmaps, these NDCs are poised to significantly influence energy sector planning, capacity building, and low carbon/net zero targets. How is the energy sector gearing up for these transformative changes? 

Simon Birkebaek, Partner, BCG
 

Amr Seleem, Global Lead, Country Engagement and Policy, UNEP-Cool Coalition
 

The energy needs of the Global South are well-known, but significant hurdles to life-changing projects continue. Bankability and trust remain a central concern, and poor planning and corruption cast shadows over projects. Economic growth and electricity consumption go hand in hand, and for the Global South political decisions matter, and can hinder progress. In developed countries, solar and wind ease energy woes. In the Global South, such projects, at whatever scale, are transformative for communities. This discussion will focus on how to better unlock capital for projects, and offer potential solutions to overcome barriers that will accelerate large and small scale clean energy projects

Nicolas Bohrer, Partner & Director, Okami Power 
 

Ahmed Al Amra, Country Representative, UAE, Global Green Growth Institute
 

Integrating energy efficiency into supply-side decisions is crucial. While clean energy grabs attention, energy efficiency often remains overlooked, despite being a low-hanging fruit. To reduce our carbon footprint, we must invest in energy efficiency - although it comes with costs, its integration into processes avoids the need for additional carbon removal schemes. The challenge lies in incentivising energy efficiency. Investors and operators must weigh low capital expenditure (Capex) against low energy usage. Companies need clarity on actionable steps, but ultimately, efficient pricing and holistic strategies will propel countries towards a sustainable energy future - our panel discusses how.

Eng Faisal Ali Rashid, Senior Director - Demand Side Management, Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai 

Tadhg O’Donovan, Chief Scientist, Heriot Watt University Dubai

Steve Lemoine, CEO, Dalkia EDF Group

From water and pumped hydro systems to cutting-edge battery technologies and novel approaches, this session will explore the development of energy storage. Water and pumped hydro in many regions offer significant storage opportunities, but if batteries are the future, what challenges still need to be overcome? Can they truly power our future? We will discuss the bankability of energy storage projects and assess the commercial viability of long-duration solutions. It will ask if novel technologies have a role in providing storage or an opportunity to revolutionise this still evolving sector. This session will explore the future path of energy storage and its role in managing intermittency as we head towards a resilient, smart energy landscape. 

Eren Engur, Managing Director-MEA, Malta Inc

Siddharth Malik, CEO, Vulcan Green Energy
 

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) hold promise for the future of nuclear power. These compact reactors offer several advantages over traditional large-scale nuclear plants. They are quicker and cheaper to build and manage (although still have a high upfront cost compared with other forms of clean energy), can be combined in power plants to increase capacity, are efficient, and will contribute to low carbon targets. What are the challenges slowing their use - perception, scale, regulation, infrastructure? Why do we still hear talk of SMRs but little evidence of progress?

This talk will explore the potential for more widespread use of geothermal energy. Already prevalent in some countries as both a source of energy and heating, can its use become more universal? In particular, in the Middle East, where geothermal energy holds significant promise. And for the oil producing nations, could their extensive deep-well drilling technical expertise and existing infrastructure be used to safely and economically tap into geothermal?

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) plays a pivotal role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, making CCS projects financially viable remains a challenge. These projects are increasingly intertwined with hard-to-abate sectors like steel and cement production. In regions where CO2 emissions are significant, CCS becomes crucial. It is also becoming increasingly linked with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Direct Air Capture (DAC) projects. This talk will discuss how CCS is evolving, where its future lies in overall decarbonisation plans and if these projects and technologies can become more commercially viable. 

Dr Mohammad Abu Zahra, Head of MEA Region, Global CCUS Institute
 

As the world seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, alternatives such as biofuels, landfill gas, or sustainable aviation fuel are emerging as viable solutions. This presentation will look into the latest advancements, benefits, and challenges of an alternative fuel. It will discuss early lessons learned, how to scale production, infrastructure requirements and the timeline for commercial viability

Currently, subsidies support hydrogen producers, but the road ahead is complex. Despite abundant cheap resources - especially in the Middle East, hydrogen production remains expensive. The burden of development costs cannot solely rest on companies—volume and demand aren’t yet at scale, and unlike solar and wind, hydrogen won’t follow the same costreduction trajectory. Electrolysers, a mature technology, offer limited efficiency gains, so where will future cost reductions emerge from? This panel takes one of the most hyped aspects of energy, and asks how governments can accelerate its adoption and growth - whatever the hydrogen colour.

Ryan McPherson, Director, Middle East, Africa, Russia & CIS, Energy Industries Council