KUWAIT, Sept 15 (KUNA) -- Secretary General of the Arab Energy Organization (AEO) Jamal Al-Loughani said Monday that combining traditional and renewable energy sources is the best way to achieve energy security, ensure supply stability, and meet rising demand while protecting the environment.
Speaking at the opening of the 'Empowering the Future: Energy Transition and Economic Diversification in Arab States' conference in Kuwait, Al-Loughani stressed the importance of diversifying Arab economies beyond fossil fuels to ensure sustainability and competitiveness.
The two-day event is organized by the Arab Planning Institute in cooperation with the Arab Energy Organization and the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government.
He noted that oil and gas would remain central to global and Arab energy in the coming decades, serving as a key source of revenue, jobs, and industrial investment.
Al-Loughani highlighted that Arab investments in renewable projects reached more than USD 18 billion in 2024, a 35 percent increase since 2020, covering solar, wind, and green hydrogen initiatives.
He added that the energy transition does not mean abandoning oil and gas but using them more efficiently through carbon capture, blue hydrogen, and cleaner refineries, with natural gas playing a vital role in electricity generation during the transition.
For his part, Dr. Ali Al-Marri, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government said the world's rapid changes of economic shifts, climate pressures, and technological advances require new policies to safeguard energy security and drive economic diversification.
He emphasized the role of small and medium enterprises, artificial intelligence, and the circular economy in building sustainable growth, while calling for regional cooperation and investment in clean technologies.
Al-Marri stressed that regional cooperation is essential for sharing expertise, developing joint energy networks, boosting cross-border investments, and building platforms for economic integration. He noted that the energy transition is a collective project requiring the combined efforts of governments, the private sector, academic and research institutions, and international organizations.
Al-Marri expressed his gratitude to the government of Kuwait and the conference partners, wishing the sessions would serve as a platform for constructive ideas and practical visions to support development in the region and strengthen its global presence.(end) md.ht.hs