Gulf Strategies for Energy Transition

Workshop Concept

The “Gulf Strategies for Energy Transition” workshop aims to establish a high-standard platform for academics, scholars, decision-makers and other stakeholders to explore the strategic approaches of Gulf energy producers at a time of energy transition. This workshop will contribute to both regional and international discourse related to the Gulf region’s energy industry and transition strategies.

Gulf producers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability by implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in upstream operations, enhance efficiency, and minimize losses downstream. This proactive approach aims to position Gulf hydrocarbon exports as leaders in sustainability, aligning with the evolving global consumer standards and environmental expectations. As part of their broader strategy, Gulf producers are also focused on maximizing the value of their oil and gas exports through strategic expansions and positioning in global markets, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing energy landscape.

Simultaneously, Gulf states are test-bedding new energy technologies and exploring low-carbon opportunities, driven by the research and development initiatives of sovereign wealth funds and national oil companies. Initially concentrating on solar energy, these efforts have now expanded into areas such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), hydrogen production, and the development of green industrial applications like steel and cement. This commitment to innovation is further underscored by Gulf leaders’ diplomatic achievements at COP28, where they introduced a more nuanced approach to climate change. Moving away from a one-size-fits-all model, this strategy allows oil and gas producers to progress toward decarbonization based on their unique needs and priorities, demonstrating the region’s adaptability and leadership in navigating sustainability within a fractured global landscape.

The topics addressed in this workshop are expected to be crucial, timely, and relevant, attracting a diverse group of researchers to contribute papers that examine various aspects of the Gulf’s energy transition. We anticipate receiving high-quality, publishable papers that could be featured in leading edited volumes or respected academic journals. We will also consider publishing select papers in international and regional media outlets, working closely with the GSS team to achieve this goal.

We invite submissions that address one or more of the following topics related to the workshop’s four main pillars: driving sustainability; Maximizing Asset Value; Test-Bedding New Energy Technology and Low-Carbon Opportunities; and Navigating Energy Market in Major Global Power Shift. Suggested research paper topics for this workshop:

• Efforts by Gulf energy producers to reduce GHG emissions in upstream operations.
• Gulf states’ strategies to lower and eliminate gas flaring.
• Initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce losses in the downstream sector.
• Methane emissions: Threat or opportunity for Gulf gas producers?
• Gulf strategies concerning oil prices in the short and long term. The critical role of oil revenues in Gulf economies
• Prospects of economic diversification in the Gulf.
• Gulf producers’ policies to maintain gas prices and revenues.
• The feasibility of Gulf investments in value-added industries, both locally or near consumer markets;
• The role of Gulf sovereign wealth funds, national oil companies, and specialized bodies in developing new low-carbon energy technologies.
• Gulf investments in solar, CCS, hydrogen industries, and related downstream industrial applications.
• The position of the Gulf fossil fuel producers regarding energy transition.
• The impact of global energy transition policies, on the Gulf region, its economies and its energy sector.
• Policies of Gulf oil and gas producers towards decarbonization.
• The sustainability of the Gulf’s approach, as adopted in COP28.