IAEE Symposium and Derasat Forum discuss regional impact of energy transition

Date: Feb 7, 2022

The Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (DERASAT), the International Association for Energy Economies (IAEE) with its Saudi counterpart the (SAEE), and the King Abdulla Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) held a virtual press conference on Monday 7 February 2022 to discuss progress towards convening the 2nd IAEE MENA Symposium and the 5th Annual Derasat Forum on March 2-3 in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This year’s theme is “The Impact of Energy Transition in the MENA Region”.

The event aims to measure the aspiring economic and developmental goals and achievements in the MENA countries – especially the Arabian Gulf States – towards their ambitious environmental goals and efforts to curb pollution and climate change while preparing to withstand and benefit from the global shift to a green energy mix that focuses on renewables and alternatives.

Research organizations are a cornerstone in these comparisons, as they provide guidance through scientific observations of these energy developments, while accounting for geopolitical and geo-economic factors that affect the course of events.

Following a Q4 2021 call for papers, a remarkable response from over 30 contributors was received, including prominent scholars, researchers, field experts, and market analysts; the result of a rigorous assessment process. These presentations will either suggest solutions or collaboration initiatives that aim to fulfill the objectives sought by the energy and environmental sectors, while accounting for national economic concerns and priorities.

Derasat Executive Director Dr. Hamad Al-Abdulla said, “The Kingdom of Bahrain and a number of GCC and MENA countries aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2060, and the next four decades require extensive research to provide scientifically, economically, and environmentally feasible decisions, policies and solutions.”

“This marks the first global partnership to organize the Annual Derasat Forum, and we are proud that it will be alongside the IAEE, Saudi Association for Energy Economics (SAEE) and, KAPSARC,” he added.

The shift towards renewable energy sources and alternative fuels continues to demand more research to better inform the policy-drawing and decision-making processes within both oil exporting and importing nations. The Sustainable Development Goals have led

governments on a pursuit to lower emissions, rethink legislations, and calculate the financial burden or relief associated with adopting one form of energy mix in place of another. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the understanding of how impactful complacency is if the global economy delays further action towards fair and efficient energy transition, and at its center would be many countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

David Williams, IAEE Executive Director, said, “The International Association for Energy Economies (IAEE) is pleased to partner with Derasat, a well-known think tank for providing outstanding research and collaboration in the MENA region. The 2nd IAEE MENA Symposium and 5th Annual Derasat Forum will bring together energy leaders in the region together to discuss and debate the ever-evolving energy transition within MENA. We will address such topics as advancements in Green Energy and Circular Carbon Economy leadership, Artificial Intelligence. This is surely one event you do not wish to miss.”

KAPSARC VP and Head of Research Dr. Fahad Al-Turki said, “This is an opportunity to subject research tracks to energy market observations and policies, in which Saudi Arabia, OPEC+, and a host of other regional and global actors continue to have a saying, while also increasing the environmental government and corporate responsibility in the upcoming global energy mix.”

Representatives of more than 10 countries will be speaking at the event, spanning the public, private, industrial, and research sectors, whose recommendations will provide insight on the best forward approaches to address national income, new entry solutions to power, transportation and industry, and practices to adopt future energy sources, many of which already exist and have high potential in the MENA region.

The organizers have also extended their invitation to those interested in future energy and environment gatherings, to register their attendance through Derasat platforms. Notably, all confirmed participants will be offered a one-year complementary membership with the IAEE.