As MENA’s new energy exporter and a rising global star in renewables with enormous new potential to create a rich energy mix that powers national development initiatives, the Egyptian energy sector will fall into sharp focus during next month’s Middle East Energy Dubai.

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and hosted by the UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, Middle East Energy Dubai, the most reputable and comprehensive energy event in the MENA region, takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 7 – 9 March.

The event is expected to attract over 18,000 energy professionals for a three-day conference featuring five key product sections: Smart Solutions, Renewable & Clean Energy, Critical & Backup Power, Transmission & Distribution, and Energy Consumption & Management.

With the ongoing expansion of its offshore gas fields and growing LNG exports, Egypt enjoys a unique opportunity to develop new non-carbon energy sources for its own economic growth. The rapid deployment of new solar and wind plants is opening the way for Egypt to meet its goal of 42% of electricity from renewables by 2035. This gain is now enhanced with huge hydrogen potential, seen in recent green hydrogen project announcements and the government’s pending $40bn hydrogen strategy. 

A leading specialist with strong Egyptian connections will provide a comprehensive perspective on the country’s energy possibilities and challenges, with insights ranging from high-level strategy to the details of project finance and implementation.

Ahmed Badr, the Director, Project Facilitation & Support, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), will offer strategic insights on how Egypt, now a major LNG production centre and exporter, can continue to build on this breakthrough by developing new clean energy resources that drive economic growth.  

According to recent renewable energy market analysis by IRENA, the investment landscape for North Africa was the second-largest recipient of renewable energy investments during 2010-2020. As a region, North Africa attracted USD 17.5 billion – or 32 per cent of the total for the decade – mostly flowing into Morocco (USD 9.5 billion) and Egypt (USD  8.2  billion). The majority of these investments were concentrated in solar and wind, with the remainder going to bioenergy and small hydropower. During the same period, 90 per cent of all investments in renewables went to 14 of the 55 countries in Africa, with four countries alone attracting 75 per cent of investments – Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, and Kenya, evidencing how renewable energy investment typically flows to countries where advanced policy and institutional environment, regulations, access to finance, and market characteristics enable higher returns and lower risks.

“Middle East Energy provides Egypt’s energy sector planners, developers and innovators with the perfect venue to show how they are transforming their nation’s energy sector – and why their unique approaches to future energy offer solutions for Gulf states and the wider world,” said Azzan Mohammed, Exhibition Director, MEE.

MEE attendees will find a wide range of policy and technology solutions – from utility-scale to small scale renewables and distributed energy resources – on display and under discussion. They will enjoy access to high-level strategic panels, technical sessions, roundtable discussions and workshops.

Informa, organisers of the event, have confirmed over 500 global exhibitors will participate in the 47^th edition of the energy showcase, with marquee brands including Lucy Electric, Cummins, Emirates Transformers, Ducab, Riyadh Cables Group and Bahra Cables Company set to showcase a range of solutions and technologies to accelerate the path to the energy transition.

Other confirmed panellists at the Forum include Stephan Gobert, Senior Vice President – Hydrogen AMEA, ENGIE; Michael Mair, VP Growth and Development, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Wood; Lina Osman, Head – Sustainable Finance, Africa & MENAP, Standard Chartered; Sabrin Rehman, Managing Director – Head of Sustainability, Middle East & Africa, HSBC; Maximilian Jarrett, Africa Program Manager, International Energy Agency; Sowunmi Olabole II, Office of the Senate, National Assembly – Nigeria; Michael Geissler, Chief Executive Officer, Berlin Energy Agency; Graham Hallett, Development Director, Marjan Island.

As part of the Forum, the focus of discussion will be on developing a roadmap to decarbonisation, an insight into the energy systems of the future, the green hydrogen opportunities in the MENA region, funding of the energy transition, the rise of sustainable finance, powering the African continent with renewable energy, grids of the future, energy efficiency focus and decarbonising industries.

In addition to Global Energy & Utilities Forum, a series of Technical Sessions will provide valuable knowledge on critical topics dominating the headlines within the energy community. World-class technical experts will lead sessions, sharing industry best practices across four core pillars of the energy sector, including Digitalisation & Smart Grids, Renewables, Green Hydrogen, and Energy Storage.

Rounding out the conferences at Middle East Energy Dubai is the InterSolar Middle East Conference, which this year focuses on photovoltaics, PV production technologies and solar thermal technologies. Since its foundation, this yearly conference at Middle East Energy has become the most important industry platform for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, service providers and partners of the global solar industry.

As part of Informa's commitment to providing the highest hygiene and safety levels, the event will again take place under the protocols introduced via the company’s Informa AllSecure health and safety mandate (https://bit.ly/3IO5JDv). The enhanced measures include 35 guidelines covering all aspects of cleaning and hygiene, social distancing measures, and the use of PPE, screening, and a track and trace in conjunction with local authorities.

Sponsors include Perkins, Baudouin, Newage Stamford AVK, and Rieloo UPS at this years' event.

To find out more about the Middle East Energy conference, please click the following link: https://bit.ly/3htTRdz

To register for the event, please click on the following link, https://bit.ly/3sgQLjR