Arab Energy Club Second Meeting of 2025
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international partnerships, the Arab Energy Club (AEC) convened its second biannual meeting of 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, bringing together energy experts to discuss key developments shaping the regional and global energy landscape.
The Club met on December 12 at the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Masdar City. The meeting was chaired by AEC President Dr. Carole Nakhle and provided a platform for members and invited experts to exchange perspectives on the evolving energy landscape and its implications for the MENA region.
The theme of the AEC’s December meeting was “Energy Transitions and Market Realities in the MENA Region” and was divided into four sessions.
The opening session featured a keynote address by Mr Francesco La Camera, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), addressing the ongoing transformation of the global energy sector. His participation provided an opportunity to strengthen dialogue between international organisations and regional energy experts on the future of energy and the importance of regional and international cooperation in addressing shared challenges and advancing sustainability.
The agenda featured discussions on critical energy topics, including:
Session 1: Oil and Gas Trends in the MENA Region
The session examined the outlook for oil and gas demand and the evolving role of MENA producers in a transitioning global energy system. Discussions focused on investment in natural gas and LNG to meet growing demand, balancing hydrocarbon development with net zero commitments, and the implications of geopolitical risks and shifting global trade patterns for regional energy markets.
Session 2: Renewable Energy, Electrification and Storage Solutions
The session explored the growing role of renewable energy, electrification and energy storage in supporting the region’s energy transition. Key topics included grid modernisation, the integration of solar, wind and nuclear power, advances in battery storage technologies, and hydrogen. Discussions also addressed investment and financing models for large scale electrification projects and the prospects for wider nuclear energy adoption across the MENA region.
Session 3: Renewable Energy, Critical Minerals and Their Role in Green Industrialisation
The session explored the growing role of renewable energy, electrification and energy storage in supporting the region’s energy transition. Key topics included grid modernisation, the integration of solar, wind and nuclear power, advances in battery storage technologies, and hydrogen. Discussions also addressed investment and financing models for large scale electrification projects and the prospects for wider nuclear energy adoption across the MENA region.
Session 4: Carbon Credit Trading in the MENA Region
The final session examined the development of voluntary and compliance carbon markets in the MENA region and their role in supporting corporate decarbonisation strategies. Discussions covered the importance of environmental integrity and market transparency, alongside recent advances in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) and direct air capture technologies.
Each session provided an opportunity for interactive discussions between AEC members and speakers, encouraging the exchange of insights and perspectives on the region’s energy priorities.
The meeting concluded with a review of the key discussion points and opportunities for continued collaboration among members.
Established in 2007, the Arab Energy Club fosters dialogue and collaboration among energy experts in Arab countries, aiming to advance the sector’s contribution to economic and social development. The Club also addresses global energy trends, including renewables, and their implications for the Arab region, while raising awareness of the intersection between energy, environment, and development.
