Energy Policies (2023)

Navigating the Energy Crossroads: The Gulf’s Evolving Energy Landscape

Workshop Concept 

This workshop will study the most recent advancements, policies and developments in the energy sector: hydrocarbons and renewables. The Gulf stands unique with its vast reserves, poised to fuel the ever-increasing global energy demand. Its significance has grown post the Ukrainian Crisis, as it has become instrumental in satiating the world’s appetite for petroleum products, petrochemicals, and fertilizers.

While global pressures mount on the Gulf to ramp up oil and gas production, domestic demand for these products within the region is also rising. This internal consumption challenges the Gulf’s oil export capacity. Furthermore, the Gulf is a predominant player in exporting natural gas, both via pipelines and in its liquefied state (LNG). Herein, it is crucial to recognize Qatar’s pivotal role, Abu Dhabi and Oman’s ambitions, Iran’s aspirations, and the increasing discussions around Gulf gas, particularly Qatari gas, potentially substituting a portion of Russian gas exports to Europe. Additionally, the workshop will spotlight the Gulf’s aspirations to expand their stake in the global gas market. Examples include Qatar’s increased LNG capacity and the global gas ventures pursued by Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

Simultaneously, as domestic natural gas consumption surges, Gulf nations are actively seeking supplies to meet this escalating demand, impacting their gas export capabilities. In parallel, there are concerted efforts to tap into unconventional gas resources. The success stories of Saudi Arabia and Oman in this domain will be underlined.

Beyond oil and gas, the Gulf is making significant strides in renewable energy, with the potential to conserve more fossil fuels for export without necessarily increasing oil and gas output. This aligns the region with global environmental standards and initiatives to diminish carbon emissions via renewable sources. Solar energy leads the renewable wave in the Gulf, given its abundant sunshine. In our exploration, we will delve into Abu Dhabi’s dedicated climate initiatives, highlighted by its role as host for COP28, and its forward-thinking renewable energy projects. Furthermore, we will examine the assertive steps taken by Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar in pivoting towards clean energy solutions, all in an effort to decrease their dependence on hydrocarbons for domestic use. A comprehensive review of industry updates pertaining to solar energy will be featured.

The workshop will also examine other renewable energy forms, including nuclear energy. The feasibility of replicating Abu Dhabi’s success across the Gulf, the reasons for wind energy’s lag in the region. In this workshop we aim to establish a premier knowledge-sharing platform for academics, policymakers, and other stakeholders on the Gulf’s role in global energy provision, particularly post the Ukrainian crisis. Papers should highlight the foreseeable challenges and responsibilities of the region’s energy producers and exporters. Presenters should emphasize on the burgeoning internal energy consumption in the Gulf, which is gradually impacting their global export capabilities, and underscore the energy sector’s pivotal role in the Gulf’s economies and its influence on their political, economic, and social spheres. Finally, we encourage papers to discuss economic factors such as social subsidies, public financial backing, and the pressing need for economic diversification in the region.

Suggested topics to discuss in this workshop:

• The Gulf’s strategic significance in crude oil production and export.
• The growing domestic oil consumption in the Gulf and its impact on export capabilities.
• Influence of the Ukrainian crisis on the Gulf’s oil industry.
• The pivotal role of Gulf petroleum products, petrochemicals, and fertilizers in global markets.
• The expansion of the Gulf’s natural gas industries globally, highlighting Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi.
• The Gulf’s role, particularly Qatar, in supplying Europe with natural gas post-Ukrainian crisis.
• Rising demand for natural gas in the Gulf: Impacts and strategies to meet consumption.
• Endeavors to cultivate unconventional gas in the Gulf, with emphasis on Saudi Arabia and Oman.
• Rationale behind the development of renewable energies in the Gulf: national initiatives, international mandates, and COP recommendations.
• The implications of intensifying renewable energy efforts in the Gulf on oil and gas production and exports: Balancing sustainability and export potential.
• Case studies on renewable energy in the Gulf: The visionary plans of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
• Prospects and challenges for wind and solar energy development in the Gulf.
• Potential replication of the UAE’s successful nuclear energy model in other Gulf nations.
• The Gulf’s contribution to pioneering clean energy sources, particularly green hydrogen.
• Ammonia: Emerging as a revolutionary energy source from the Gulf to the global stage.

Click below to register and attend the workshop as a listening participant or to learn more about presenters and paper titles: