Future Energy Insights

What lessons can the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and regional businesses draw from COP29’s outcomes to accelerate its sustainability journey?

Hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, COP29 marked a turning point with commitments to scale climate finance, operationalise carbon markets, and enhance adaptation frameworks. These global developments have significant implications for MENA, particularly as the region strives to balance economic growth with ambitious sustainability goals.

Key outcomes include a pledge to triple climate finance to developing nations, reaching $300 billion annually by 2035, and advancements in Article 6 carbon market mechanisms, opening opportunities for carbon tr...

Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a game-changer in the energy sector, with the potential to bring new levels of optimisation and efficiency. On episode 20, we delve into how AI could help reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10% by 2030, examining the innovations that could transform energy management worldwide.

From predicting building energy use to improving manufacturing processes and even boosting agricultural yields, AI offers powerful tools for energy efficiency. But, like any powerful tool, AI comes with its own energy needs. The computing power required for AI is growing rapidly, doubling every 100 days, according to some...

With the current financing gap for climate tech estimated to be as high as US$2 trillion, innovators and entrepreneurs in the space often struggle to secure funding. On episode 19 we discuss exactly what makes a climate tech project attractive to the investment community with key insights that every startup needs to know.

For entrepreneurs and startups in the climate tech space, securing funding can be a major barrier to opportunity and growth.

According to research by Deloitte, the current financing gap for climate tech could be as much as US$2 trillion. Recently released data from...

From privately owned vehicles to company fleets and mass transit, eMobility investment and strategies are shaping our transportation future. On episode 18 we look at how global cities are adopting and scaling their electric networks and discuss potential economic opportunity in establishing local manufacturing capabilities.

Urban planners, municipalities and policy makers are increasingly shifting focus towards low-carbon mobility solutions as federal governments continue to action net-zero 2050 strategies.

The role of eMobility in supporting sustainable urban development under the scope of the United Nations SDG 11 reflects a global push for electric vehicle adoption by individuals, for company...

Sustainable, resilient, and climate-positive urban environments are not a pipe dream, and regenerative design is a game-changer in transforming the built environment. On episode 17, we discuss how governments, urban planners, and communities can come together to reverse climate change.

By 2050, two out of every three people will be living in cities or major urban centres. With cities generating around 75 percent of global CO2 emissions, the race is on to create sustainable, resilient, and climate-restorative cities.

Regenerative urban design will play a pivotal role in helping transform the built environment to enhance potential for net-positive impact...

Imagine a world where treated wastewater not only protects our environment but also drives innovation and creates jobs. This vision remains largely untapped, yet it's within our reach!

According to current UN Environment Programme data, only 11% of the world’s treated wastewater is reused. Shockingly, around 50% of untreated wastewater pollutes our rivers, lakes, and oceans.

In Episode 16, recorded at the 2024 World Future Energy Summit, we explore the future of wastewater treatment with two leading experts in the field.

Beyond irrigation and industrial cooling, treated wastewater can recharge groundwater aquifers, be used as...

Anticipated rampant growth in global demand for green hydrogen presents a major economic opportunity for many countries and is also a progressive zero-carbon journey solution for heavy industry high emitters. On episode 15, we examine both opportunities, looking at which countries are already keen on clean hydrogen and what’s driving strategic decision-making.

Green hydrogen, a clean and scalable energy storage solution, is more than just a zero-emission industrial feedstock. It's a transformative energy source with incredible potential, positioning itself as a beacon of sustainability. 

The clean hydrogen market is expected to see exponential fut...

Women are playing an increasingly prominent role in addressing climate change mitigation and stand at the forefront of efforts to conserve, advocate and innovate. On episode 14 we talk to two high-profile women representing different aspects of the future energy industry to learn more about their inspiration and focus.

Climate change is a global issue that impacts – and involves - all of us, however there is a distinct disparity when it comes to the impact on gender with women especially vulnerable, due to historical roles, responsibilities and cultural norms. 

 The UN estimates that women repr...

Considering the diverse challenges cities face, what innovative strategies can they implement to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near future? 

Future Energy Insights seeks to address the most significant challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world.

Responsible for generating 70% of global emissions, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has called the world’s cities ‘critical climate battlegrounds’. 

This issue was formally recognised at COP28 with the final agreement highlighting the role of cities and relevant subnational players as partners for action. <...

What significant role do small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play in the global journey towards achieving net-zero emissions, particularly in the MENA region?

Globally, small and medium-sized enterprises – SMEs - make up 90% of all businesses and represent more than 50% of employment worldwide. Yet, according to  2023 research by the World Economic Forum and Bain & Company, here, in the MENA region, just 12% of SMEs have set net zero targets with even fewer -  7% - mapping out a transition strategy.

The tide is turning, however.

Through COP28, a new SME Climate Hub MENA initiative has been esta...