Powering Humanity through Energy

Abstract coming soon

Ministerial Roundtable: Policy innovation to enable decarbonization in tandem with stable energy markets

The European Central Bank says governments need to implement ‘ambitious climate policies immediately and gradually’ to avoid a hot-house scenario which could see global economic output fall by 4% by 2050. Central to achieving net zero, the ECB argues, is the tripling of energy from renewable sources by 2030 and slashing GHG emissions. Landmark policies, including the European Green Deal and the US Inflation Reduction Act, are already disrupting traditional energy sector investment flows and accelerating the development and deployment of low carbon solutions globally. Ministers will review how well these policies are achieving their goals and what learnings can be applied in other regions to transform labor markets, drive infrastructure development, conversions and upgrades, develop supply chains and nascent technologies and minimize socio-economic shocks, while maximizing energy transition opportunities.

Are we entering the 'platinum age' of natural gas? Exploring the strategic role of natural gas in addressing global supply needs and accelerating the energy transition

Rystad estimates Europe will require 600bcm of natural gas supplies between 2023 – 2027. Despite progress on fostering energy security in the wake of the Russian-Ukraine conflict, there is a looming supply gap, prompting strong competition to secure long-term natural gas and LNG contracts to ensure a stable supply and make progress towards regional and national decarbonization goals. Exporting countries are primed to meet this demand, with Qatar set to raise its output of LNG by 60 percent, or more, to 126 million tons a year by 2027. Rapid advancements in emissions reduction technology mean that there has never been a greater opportunity to meet global supply needs with lower-carbon natural gas and LNG. Roundtable participants will explore how the energy industry can harness this momentum across the short, medium and long-term.

In times of energy crisis and geopolitical recalibrations: What are the challenge and opportunities for the energy transition in the Mediterranean region

Abstract coming soon

Enabling the growth of low carbon and renewable energy transformation in developing countries through international investment and cooperation

An estimated US $1tn is required annually to enable developing countries to reduce coal-fired power and high-polluting cooking fuels, unlock universal access to electricity and transition to net zero energy supplies.  

What do governments need to do to strengthen national policies, regulations and governance to create enabling environments for increased levels of investment and signal their country is ready for larger inward flows of clean energy capital? How can international partners unlock the new research and development pathways through the knowledge and technology transfers key to enhancing clean energy affordability? 

This roundtable will explore how international stakeholders can work together to incentivize and scale up the development of sustainable energy economies in developing countries by de-risking public and private finance to bring about structural transformation of existing energy systems. 

Bridging the gap between pilot-phase technologies and commercially viable solutions to drive decarbonization and emissions reduction through stakeholder collaboration

Although investment in climate technologies is at an all-time high (US $1.7tn in 2023), it is estimated US $196tn will be needed between now and 2050 to deploy existing technology at scale and ensure new technologies become market ready.  

From risk-mitigation mechanisms, including co-investments, as well as long-term price and offtake agreements to open dialogue over permitting and procurement processes, what can fledgling climate technology companies do to build relationships with policymakers, technology and joint venture partners to provide the assurances to investors and customers to enable them to build commercially viable businesses? 

With time running out to meet critical climate goals, roundtable participants will explore what new partnership models can be formed to accelerate the development and scalable deployment of both existing and new climate technologies needed to decarbonize and reduce emissions. 

Hydrogen: Global opportunities and lessons learned from the United States Inflation Reduction Act

Putting a spotlight on the United States Inflation Reduction Act, this Leadership Roundtable will bring together global industrial leaders to discuss: the status and outlook for the development of the clean hydrogen economy in the United States and its influence on global hydrogen policies and incentives, discuss the impacts of macro-economic headwinds and supply chain constraints, as well as opportunities for transatlantic and regional partnerships.  

Leveraging a broad range of financing sources and mechanisms to secure investment in gas and LNG infrastructure

Recent geopolitical events have increased the focus on ensuring the security and longevity of gas and LNG supply, creating a requirement for significant additional investment in natural gas and LNG infrastructure. In parallel, the pressures for decarbonization and a transition to lower carbon energy remain, creating gas and LNG demand uncertainty, tensions around the development of gas and LNG infrastructure and necessitating built-in decarbonization technologies or the option of future proofing infrastructure.

Capital gets caught up in this battle, raising questions about whether the necessary financing will be available. Some providers are exiting or de-prioritizing the gas and LNG sector, others are stepping up their allocations with new sources emerging, while the position of other investors is hard to fathom. Overall, the process of securing financing is becoming more complex, with new approaches, mechanisms, recipes and providers.

Against this complex backdrop Roundtable participants will discuss whether financing should be a concern for the gas and LNG sector, the relative attractiveness of the sector to capital and what the industry and capital providers can do to ensure that appropriate financing can be structured to satisfy the priorities of a range of stakeholders in the context of a dynamic energy environment.

Balancing LNG supply with demand growth to drive an interconnected and globalized gas market

Global LNG supply capacity is forecast to increase by 25% from 2022 to 2026. Additional liquefactions plants are under construction in the United States, Canada and Qatar, with many more awaiting FID. Meanwhile, LNG demand is forecast to increase for the next 20 years as the world’s population grows in tandem with a need to decarbonize energy systems. Dozens of receiving terminals are under development in both existing and new markets.

The continued growth of LNG will, however, need to address market volatility challenges, that are expected to characterize global LNG supply and demand over the next few years, with clear measures to manage price fluctuations to reassure buyers. In addition, carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies, methane emissions management and increased operational efficiencies will all play a role in strengthening the credentials of natural gas as a credible fuel for the transition.

Roundtable participants will explore how LNG producers can work with aggregators, consumers and policy makers to facilitate the stable growth of the global LNG market as the energy transition proceeds.

Leveraging collaborative action and funding to achieve 2030 methane emissions goals

Reductions in methane emissions from oil and gas operations are essential to meeting climate goals, with a cut in global emissions of 30% projected to bring US $250m of direct economic benefits globally.  

COP28 saw a raft of announcements supporting the rapid acceleration of methane reduction efforts to achieve meaningful progress against 2030 targets. The Global Methane Emissions Pledge increased its membership to 150 countries; two funds were launched to focus on methane reduction and anti-flaring and the US unveiled new legislation focused on identifying and penalizing oil and gas sector methane emitters.  

With new mechanisms in place to drive methane emissions reduction, roundtable participants will debate the options for deploying these initiatives to achieve maximum impact against 2030 targets. What can industry stakeholders do to support producers in tackling methane emissions and ensure these measures support the principles of an equitable energy transition? 

The role of US energy in delivering energy security and decarbonization

By invitation only