• Collective comprising 21 regional experts outline key issues to be explored at global energy platform in Dubai from 3-5 March, 2020 
• 45th edition of three-day mega event will feature 150+ high-calibre conference speakers, leveraging the UAE’s position as a leader in sustainability and technology to shape the direction of an industry in transformation

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - November 06, 2019:  Middle East Energy (formerly Middle East Electricity), the global energy platform, has assembled a high-powered advisory board of industry heavyweights to set the agenda for a sector in the midst of transformative change as it readies for a 45th edition from 3-5 March, 2020, at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). 

After 44 hugely successful editions as a holistic energy stage that empowers stakeholders through power networking and multi-sector growth opportunities, the three-day event has undergone an energetic evolution to support the transition in how we generate power through to how we consume energy in the face of increasing demand.

To help shape the agenda for the industry, the Middle East Energy 2020 Advisory Board, comprising 21 experts spanning the full energy sector, has identified key content themes that will form the basis of the 2020 Conference Programme, the strategic conference series which runs alongside the main exhibition. The conference will feature a high-calibre line-up of 150-plus speakers who will provide critical insights and discuss the future ahead, in the presence of utility providers, governments, procurement, project managers and contractors.

Under an overarching theme ‘Energy in Transition, connecting the world: Demand, Digitalisation, Diversification’, the Advisory Board has set five content streams over three days of in-depth discussions, which will explore: Policy v Technology; Decarbonisation & SDGs; Power of Digital – How to create value; Effective Renewables Integration; and New Business Models.

With the Middle East alone in need of USD 55 billion for an additional 43 GW of generating capacity and USD 34 billion for transmission, coupled with the onset of digitalisation and ever-growing focus on renewables, the formation of the Middle East Energy Advisory Board is a natural move for the show, as it remains at the forefront of the world’s power needs.

“The energy industry is evolving at a rapid rate, with digitalisation playing a key role in this and global focus is towards affordable clean energy. The UAE is a global leader in technology and sustainability, that’s why Middle East Energy plays an important role, reflecting the focus of the industry and region for today and the future, as the meeting point for the global energy sector,  providing the perfect blend of networking, business facilitation and knowledge sharing to meet future energy goals; the introduction of the conference programme and Advisory Board represents a significant step as we move forward,” said Gareth Rapley, Group Director, Industrial, at Informa Markets, organisers of Middle East Energy.

“The Advisory Board has brought together leaders and experts within the industry across the region and through this we have had the ability to identify issues that are key to the UAE and wider region. As a result, the Board has shaped a roadmap that will drive discussion and deliver solutions when we bring the global energy industry together in March.”

The Middle East Energy Advisory Board represents the major regional public and private sector energy players, including the UAE Ministry of Energy & Industry, SEWA, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, Etihad Energy Services, Masdar, IRENA, APICORP, SAP, PwC, IFC and more. 

“The transition of the energy industry is inevitable, and the UAE government has been accelerating endeavours to challenge the business as usual mindset, setting ambitious targets such as 50@50; which will see clean energy contribute half of the country’s total energy mix by 2050. Technology can pave the path to the future we all seek, if empowered with the policies driving the economy and sustainability,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy & Industry.  
“Future cities and demand for energy are on the rise. Future trends will be fostered by digitalisation and diversification in a time of increasing uncertainties and Climate stress. Middle East Energy 2020 is the platform to address those future trends and connect the world in the UAE again.” 

The 2020 Conference Programme will boast 150+ speakers and 25 hours of content through 30 sessions, with the conference series focusing on renewables, digitalisation, sustainability, technology and regulation facing the power sector. It will look at financing models and place importance on global energy needs in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to provide access to affordable and reliable energy. 

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and hosted by the UAE Ministry of Energy, Middle East Energy will take place between 3-5 March, 2020 at Dubai World Trade Centre.