Overview
The World Future Energy Summit is the leading global event focused on future energy and sustainability, bringing together innovative thinkers, industry leaders, and policymakers. The summit addressed the most pressing issues in the energy sector, acting as a prominent think tanks across key industry focus areas.
As a collaborative platform for corporate partners, investment incubators, and top-tier startups, attendees had the unique opportunity to engage in discussions aimed to developing the essential blueprints for a sustainable future and promoting a greener tomorrow, all whilst contributing to the evolution of the new energy landscape.
Sessions
January 15, 12:00 p.m.—12:40 p.m. GST
Panel — Stormwater transformation: From risk to resource
The Dubai floor that struck after unprecendented heavy rainful in April 2024 highlighted the impact of changing weather patterns, particularly as such events are predicted to happen more often in the coming years. Beyond investing in and building better stormwater drainage systems, how should water scarce countries integrate stormwater capture and management — including policies — into their urban design and planning?
The session covered:
The purification processes needed for this polluted water to go through, in removing city contaminents
How cities can turn stormwater from a risk to a resource
Moderator: Robert Bryniak, CEO, Golden Sands Management
Speakers: Arnaud Delamare, Partner, Oliver Wyman; Dr. Hossam Samir Ibrahim, Urban and Regional Planning Consultant, Ministry of Municipality, Qatar; and Dr. Tariq Al-Zoorani, Head of Airport Utilities, Engineering Services, Dubai Airports.
January 15, 12:10 p.m.—12:40 p.m. GST
Panel — Gas in the energy transition: A vital bridge
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 decarbonizing, if not decarbonized, energy source in some countries or sectors?
The session covered:
How countries can optimize their gas resources to complement clean energy
The learnings from retiring gas-based capacity prematurely, and how we ensure a sychronized low carbon transition without leaving the gird in the dark
Moderator: Alejandro Longueira, Principal, Oliver Wyman
Speakers: Bruce Smith, Executive Director, Strategy and Planning, Emirates Water & Electricity Company; Eng. Abdelmuti Ahmed Murad, Head of Energy Strategies and Policies Division, Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, UAE; Tomaz Guadagnin, Managing Director Flexible Generation AMEA, Engie; and Andreas Collor, Chief Operations Officer, Generation, TAQA.
January 15, 14:25 p.m.—15:00 p.m. GST
Panel — Waste to energy: Dubai And The Northern Emirates Update
Waste to energy is the end point in any reuse, recycle strategy within the circular economy. It can also be an important part of landfill diversion plans, and help divert potential future methane buildup that is subsequently released into the atmosphere. But given that it is an endpoint in a material's lifecycle, it is also argued that W2E (waste to energy) discourages circular economy initiatives.
The session covered:
How W2E initiatives fit within a country’s circular economy plans, progress of plants, and their impact on circular economy growth
The challenges that need to be addressed, such as waste segregation
Moderator: Arnaud Delamare, Partner, Oliver Wyman
Speakers: Nouf Wazir, Lead Engineer, Beeah; Roni Araiji, Managing Director Middle East, Kanadevia Inova; and Toni Clarke, CEO, Warsan Waste Management Company.
January 16, 11:40 a.m.—12:20 p.m. GST
Green Hydrogen Summit High-Level Panel (hosted by Masdar) — Unlocking Capital for the Hydrogen Projects: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective
Innovating financing mechanisms, risk mitigating strategies and best practices in designing long-term offtake agreements.
Moderator: Alejandro Longueira, Principal, Oliver Wyman
Speakers: Andreas Bieringer, Director of Green Hydrogen Business Development, Masdar; Mark Dooley, Global Head of MAM Green Investments, Macquire Group; Pierre-Etienne Franc, Co-Founder and CEO, Hy24; Stephan Gobert, Head of Strategy Flexible Generation AEMEA, ENGIE; Tarek Hosny, Head of Projects and Investments, Fertiglobe; and Eduardo van-Zeller Neto, Partner – Head of Energy and Utilities Middle East, CVA.
