Future Energy Insights

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 Nort...

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 th...

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 proces...

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 c...

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...

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 ar...

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, re...

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...

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, howev...

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-Ge...

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...

What role can renewable energy solutions and agri-tech play in feeding the world and supporting net-zero goals?  The world’s food production systems are responsible for over 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions with agri-food systems consuming around 30% of the world’s energy. The United Nations has said that farming must become more sustainable to address the climate crisis and feed a rapidly r...

Transport and mobility currently account for 19 per cent of global carbon emissions, according to McKinsey research. In the air, on the ground, and at sea, the dual challenge in developing and adopting carbon-neutral transport systems is how to keep people and goods moving while accelerating net-zero commitment. The International Air Transport Association estimates that sustainable aviation fuel c...

COP28, which is due to start in a matter of days, represents the most significant accountability moment for climate action, to date. Eight years on from the Paris Agreement, the September-released United Nations Global Stocktake report is the first official assessment of climate action since 2015. The report has reaffirmed that the world is falling significantly short of the reduction in greenhous...

Our planet is currently facing the largest wave of urban growth in history. According to the United Nations, by 2050 more than two-thirds of the world’s population will live in urban areas. This potentially places huge strain on city services, infrastructure and transportation networks. From Singapore, which was the first international city to create a country-scale digital twin, to Expo2020 Dubai...

Population growth, rapid urbanisation, unsustainable consumer habits, and public indifference have all played their part in what is becoming a major problem for public health and the environment around the world. In the GCC alone, member nations currently generate up to 130 million tons of waste every year. Population growth, ongoing urbanisation, shifting consumption habits, a lack of stringent r...

Can floating solar achieve price parity with onshore installations? Will evolving technology support sea-based arrays as a solution for desert nations? And what needs to be done to accelerate global adoption? In this episode of Future Energy Insights, we'll take a deep dive into the potential of floating photovoltaics (FPVs) as a sustainable alternative to land-based arrays, and what it means...

One of the greatest challenges of our time, water scarcity is a global issue. What is being done to tackle water scarcity? How are funds being raised? What is and isn’t working? In this episode of Future Energy Insights we explore the compelling environmental, economic and humanitarian case for financing water projects. By 2040, worldwide demand is expected to outstrip freshwater supplies, with cl...

AI-generated data has the potential to drive energy efficiency and reduce costs, but what about its environmental footprint? And will it lead to the loss of millions of jobs in the sector? In this episode of Future Energy Insights, we examine the role for AI in the future energy space and discuss how we might future proof technology to ensure it is used to the advantage of all. AI-generated data i...

Which countries are leading the field in attracting green hydrogen investment? What lessons can other nations learn from them and why? According to the International Energy Agency, to help reach net zero emissions globally by 2050, the clean hydrogen market needs $1.2 trillion of investment this decade – a goal we are nowhere close to achieving. In this, our final episode recorded live at the Worl...

Building a local hydrogen market is a hot topic, both globally and in the Middle East. Here, we explore what GCC countries must do to position themselves at the forefront of the hydrogen market and export to the many nations eyeing up this clean energy form. What infrastructure should be built, partnerships formed and government initiatives introduced to lay robust foundations on which the industr...

The trend towards green hydrogen is gathering pace, both globally and in the Middle East, where the potential for large-scale production and worldwide exportation is huge.  But is the region innovating quickly enough to meet future demand? Which market segments present the biggest opportunities for innovation? How can the industry nurture innovative startups? And what role will photovoltaics, elec...

Future Energy Insights brings a mix of passionate debate on the future of energy and sustainability. Starting with a focus on green hydrogen, each bite-sized episode tackles BIG subjects, from accelerating innovation to unlocking investment, and positioning the MENA region at the forefront of the hydrogen market. Future Energy Insights features business leaders, policy makers, startups and intelle...