The recent World Future Energy Summit, organized by Masdar, the Future Energy Company of Abu Dhabi, marked its 17th iteration in the UAE capital, captivating an audience deeply invested in sustainable energy practicesTaking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, this summit is recognized as a cornerstone event for the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025, aiming to accelerate sustainable development while facilitating the global transition to cleaner energy solutionsThis year's summit seamlessly blended industry exhibitions, technology demonstrations, investment incubators, and commercial forums, uniting government leaders, innovative industry players, and experts from relevant fields to delve into the intricacies of achieving sustainability in the future.

Amidst over 30,000 attendees experiencing firsthand the latest industry dynamics, nearly 400 exhibitors showcased pioneering solutions in solar energy, electric vehicles, clean energy initiatives, and waste management while forging new partnerships and investment opportunities

Advertisements

At the heart of the discussions was the pressing need to address the complex energy demands faced today.

In his opening remarks, Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and chairman of Masdar, pointed to three seismic shifts reshaping our world: the ascendance of the Global South and emerging markets, transformations within energy systems, and the rapid escalation in artificial intelligence technologiesWith a particular emphasis on the unstoppable rise of energy demand, especially propelled by AI applications, Al Jaber painted a stark picture for the futureHe indicated a dramatic spike, predicting that by 2050, global electricity consumption might soar to as high as 35,000 gigawatts, driven by the likes of AI tools such as ChatGPT, which saw an extraordinary rise in user sessions, surpassing hundreds of millions per month.

Recognizing the untenability of relying on a sole energy source to meet such unprecedented demand, Al Jaber introduced a groundbreaking initiative at the summit: the establishment of EXERGY, a new international energy investment company

Advertisements

This entity aims to adapt to the emerging energy landscape with a diversified portfolio that spans natural gas, chemicals, low-carbon fuels, and energy infrastructureIt stands as a critical enhancement to Abu Dhabi's diversified energy strategy, with a clear mission to provide innovative solutions in the face of complex global energy demands.

In outlining Abu Dhabi's status as a benchmark for worldwide energy transformation, Al Jaber highlighted achievements such as the world's largest solar power plant and leading seawater desalination facilityMore significantly, he announced a revolutionary project poised to convert renewable energy into baseload power, developed jointly by Masdar and the UAE’s water companyThis cutting-edge photovoltaic solar power plant will boast a capacity of 5.2 gigawatts (DC) supplemented by a large-scale battery storage system, capable of delivering up to 1 gigawatt of baseload electricity daily

Advertisements

This new facility will set a global record as the largest integrated solar and battery storage system upon its completion, ensuring a reliable energy supply year-round.

The summit also featured high-profile discussions across various sectors, emphasizing themes of solar energy, clean technology, water usage, ecological waste management, sustainable urban development, and green financeBy bringing together pivotal figures from both government and business, the summit fostered mutual exchange on ideas, technologies, and investments crucial to advancing international cooperation in sustainability practices.

One significant highlight was the Green Hydrogen Summit, focusing on the burgeoning field of hydrogen energyHere, industry leaders explored the latest trends and developments in producing, converting, transporting, storing, and utilizing green hydrogen, identifying challenges and innovative solutions

Ivana Jemeľkova, CEO of the International Hydrogen Council, emphasized that 2025 will be a consequential year for hydrogen’s expansion, with efforts concentrated on activating policy frameworks and moving towards practical project implementationsUAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei announced the nation’s hydrogen roadmap, detailing plans to produce 1.4 million tons of low-carbon hydrogen annually by 2031.

Further, the Solar and Clean Energy Conference unveiled a report from the Middle East Solar Industry Association, outlining a significant increase in solar power capacity across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regionsIn 2023, solar generation capacity surged by 23% to reach 32 gigawatts, with projections suggesting an increase to over 180 gigawatts by 2030. This growth is attributed to technological advancements alongside governmental backing and private investments

alefox

The report emphasized the necessity of localizing solar manufacturing to minimize dependency on foreign suppliers—an essential move toward long-term success in energy transitions, highlighted by initiatives in Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia.

At the Green Finance Conference, a collaborative report by KPMG and Abu Dhabi First Bank underscored the crucial role of sustainable finance in propelling economic growth, job creation, and diversification within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Flagship projects like Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM green hydrogen initiative exemplify the transformative potential of green financeBy 2030, it is expected that GCC investments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure might contribute a staggering $2 trillion to the region’s GDP while generating over a million jobsThe report emphasizes the joint responsibility of financial institutions and policymakers to leverage these opportunities as the region endeavors to transition toward a low-carbon economy.

The event attracted nearly 400 companies, with around 80 from China showcasing their dominance across the solar energy supply chain

Chinese enterprises have emerged as frontrunners, exemplifying their capabilities within the realm of renewable resources.

Wu Lei, General Manager of Sungrow Power Supply’s operations in the Middle East and Africa, shared insights regarding their extensive operations across over 170 countries and regions, with a cumulative installation surpassing 605 gigawatts in power electronics by mid-2024. With projections pointing to a promising future, in 2024, Sungrow signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s AL GIHAZ Group for a landmark 7.8 gigawatt-hour energy storage projectTheir remarkable variety of products showcased at the summit, including a next-generation string inverter and a fully liquid-cooled energy storage system, underscore their unwavering commitment to innovation in driving solar and storage technologies for sustainable development in the Middle East.

Chinese state-owned enterprise PowerChina has also carved its niche since entering the UAE market in 2008, signing landmark projects such as the Abu Dhabi Taweelah seawater desalination project and various renewable energy schemes

In 2024 alone, the company secured new energy projects across the region totaling around 12 gigawatts in installed capacityAt the summit, they signed a contract with Masdar for the UAE’s RTC solar storage project—a groundbreaking initiative promising a consistent 1-gigawatt power supply 24/7, thereby addressing renewable energy’s intermittent supply challenge.

Additionally, JinkoSolar, represented by Senior Brand Manager Shen Mingjie, highlighted their strategic focus on integrating solar and storage productsHaving served nearly 4,000 clients across 200 countries, they projected notable achievements, including over 300 gigawatts in component shipments by the end of 2024. With their N-Type TOPCon technology, which thrives under the hot and reflective conditions typical in the Middle East, JinkoSolar's products have achieved significant market penetration, maintaining a leading share in the region