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Writer's pictureEthan Fulton

Technologies, Policies, and Localization: Accelerating the Green Transition in Arab States

Updated: Nov 27, 2023



arab energy water conference panel kuwait
The Arab Energy & Water Conference, held in Kuwait City, featured (left to right) Jeffrey Beyer as keynote speaker, Abdullah Al Qarni, Dr. Hassan Al-Fadhli, Dr. Abdullah Alharbi, and Mohamed AlEmam in a panel.
jeffrey beyer speaking on green energy transition
Jeffrey Beyer speaks on the policy needs for accelerating the green energy transition in the MENA region

Accelerating green finance in the Middle East requires precise project targeting and integrated energy and water legislations, Zest Associates Managing Director said at a panel during the Arab Energy & Water Conference in Kuwait City.


Key takeaways from his presentation:


1 ) Policy must promote private sector financing which must ultimately shape large scale investment in clean energy.

roundtable demand energy policy graph
Roundtable participants' rankings of policy priorities on the demand side of energy regulation
  • To meet global net-zero goals, $22.5 trillion in investment is necessary by 2050.

  • Oil and gas demand will decrease while the alternative energy market grows.

  • Policy's role is to accelerate this demand transition through market mechanisms, such as carbon taxes, while stimulating supply by creating favorable conditions for low-carbon projects.

  • Green investment banks are public entities that can facilitate private investment into domestic low-carbon infrastructure to overcome deployment gaps.


2 ) Middle Eastern regional dynamics showcase a need for further collaboration.

  • Arab countries are recognizing the steps needed to drive investment and accelerate green finance.

  • A review of eight countries by Zest Associates, sponsored by HSBC and published by the Mohamed Bin Rashid School of Government, shed light on these priorities.

  • Differing regional priorities can be bridged through collaborative pilot projects and technology competitions, like the MIT Clean Energy Prize.



arab clean energy priorities
Priorities in creating the conditions for green finance, raising capital, and managing risk in Arab world countries and regionwide


Conferences like the Arab Energy & Water Conference are crucial to bring thoughtful leaders together to share best practices and solutions to address shared climate challenges.














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