As green hydrogen takes centre stage in global decarbonisation efforts, the race to make it cost-competitive is intensifying. In 2023 alone, more than $570 billion was invested globally, positioning green hydrogen as a game-changer for clean energy. However, challenges in production costs, securing demand, and scaling infrastructure remain barriers to its broader adoption.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has a unique advantage, with abundant renewable energy resources, industrial heritage, and proximity to key demand centres. Yet, to realise its potential, the region must address bottlenecks such as the complexity of the supply chain, a lack of mature infrastructure, and the difficulty of establishing long-term offtake agreements for hydrogen projects.

Innovative approaches, such as Germany’s H2 Global initiative and localised research and development efforts like NEOM’s Hydrogen Innovation and Development Centre, are helping to bridge these gaps. By fostering regional collaboration and advancing storage and transport solutions, MENA can establish itself as a leader in the global hydrogen economy.

In Episode 22 of Future Energy Insights, Moderator Jeffrey Beyer, Founder and Managing Director of Zest Associates, is joined by Cornelius Matthes, CEO of Dii Desert Energy, and Panos Bafis, a leading hydrogen investment expert. Together, they discuss how the MENA region can overcome barriers, seize opportunities, and accelerate the path to making green hydrogen a cornerstone of the energy transition.

Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @WFES

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 trading and crediting in developing countries. Additionally, the Baku Adaptation Roadmap emphasised the importance of transformational strategies to bolster climate resilience.

For SMEs that form the backbone of MENA’s economy, these milestones present opportunities to access new markets, funding, and technologies that can align their operations with global sustainability goals. However, challenges remain, from navigating complex regulatory landscapes to building capacity for adaptation and decarbonisation.

In episode 21 of Future Energy Insights, Moderator Jeffrey Beyer, Founder and Managing Director of Zest Associates, is joined by Eftal Efeçınar, Chief Strategy and Partnership Officer at Coral and David Auriau, Chief Executive Officer at Positive Zero. Together, they delve into how the MENA region can build upon COP29 outcomes to create a sustainable and resilient future.

Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @WFES

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 studies. This surge in demand has even led to coal-fired power plants in parts of the U.S. being kept online to support new data centres.

Episode 20 explores the balance needed to ensure AI remains a sustainable solution.

Dr. Morgan Eldred, founder of Digital Energy consultancy services and an expert in AI-driven energy efficiencies, and Hassan Shamma, Chief Technology Officer at UAE-based Enerwhere, specialising in off-grid solar solutions, join Jeffrey Beyer, Founder and Managing Director of Zest Associates, to discuss the double-edged sword of AI’s energy-saving potential alongside its growing energy consumption

Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @WFES