MENA’s Hidden Power: Minerals, Markets, and Geopolitics with Michael Finch

In this episode of the Al-Attiyah Foundation podcast, we are joined by Michael Finch. Mr Finch is Head of Strategic Initiatives at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence,a Price Reporting Agency (PRA) and market intelligence provider, specialising.

Key questions:

• Is the MENA region rich in minerals?
• Why are countries in the Middle East and North Africa pivoting to critical minerals?
• Is there a significant demand for EVs in the MENA region?

The Clean Molecule: Hydrogen, Pyrolysis, and the Road Ahead with Frank Wouters

Frank Wouters is a renowned energy transition leader synonymous with initiatives such as small-scale PV solar electrification in Uganda to strategic investments in groundbreaking projects like the London Array and Shams Concentrated Solar Plant. A green hydrogen evangelist, he has earned accolades as the runner-up 'Hydrogen Economist of the Year' in 2020.

Key questions: 

• What is the fundamental process of methane pyrolysis?
• What are the differences between thermal pyrolysis, catalytic pyrolysis, plasma pyrolysis, and molten media pyrolysis?
• What is the energy balance of gas pyrolysis compared to other low-carbon hydrogen production routes such as electrolysis or biomass gasification?

Libya at the Crossroads: Voices, Youth, and the Path to Unity with Virginie Collombier

Virginie Collombier is Professor of Practice and Scientific Coordinator of the Mediterranean Platform at the Luiss Guido Carli University in Rome. Her research focuses on the social and political dynamics of Libya and the MENA region, particularly and the interaction between domestic transformations and regional geopolitics.

Key questions:

• What is the Dialogue Platform established by the Luiss School of Government in Libya?
• What key lessons and best practices from the GCC could Libya implement to support its development?
• How is Libya’s energy sector contributing, or potentially hindering, long-term stability?

Understanding a Misunderstood Region with MEES Editor Jamie Ingram

Jamie Ingram is Senior Editor at MEES where he is responsible for producing content on energy and political developments in the Gulf region and covering global market developments. Prior to joining MEES in 2015 he worked as a MENA analyst at IHS and as a Gulf Researcher at RUSI.

Key questions:

• Is the main hurdle for MEES the balancing of the green agenda against the fossil fuel agenda?
• What distinguishes MEES from other publications covering the MENA region?
• Where do you see oil prices and demand heading in the next five years?

Navigating China’s Energy Shift: Insights from Yao Li, CEO of SIA Energy

Yao Li is the founder and CEO of SIA Energy with 18 years of energy industry experience. SIA Energy is a China-focused energy consulting firm offering insight and data on Chinese energy policy, politics, players and markets, covering the full oil, gas and power value chain. 

Key questions: 

• How is China balancing its transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy while ensuring energy security?
• To what extent do China’s decarbonisation policies align with the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?
• How do you assess the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the global energy sector, particularly in the context of shifting alliances among the West, China, and the Gulf states?

Joe Saddi on Renewable Energy and Rebuilding Lebanon’s Economy

Joe Saddi is Lebanon’s Minister of Energy and Water. Appointed to the Cabinet of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in February 2025, Mr. Saddi shares his insights on Lebanon’s economic and social challenges, the country’s energy strategy, and opportunities for reform and investment.

Key questions:

• What are the main factors contributing to the ongoing power crisis in Lebanon?
• What can your ministry do to gain the trust of the Lebanese people in this time of uncertainty?
• Will Lebanon implement Floating Storage Regasification  Units (FSRUs) to import LNG?

Striking a Balance Between Fossil Fuels and Renewables with H.E. Mohammed Hamad Al Rumhy

H.E. Mohammed Hamad Al Rumhy is the former Minister of Oil and Gas for the Sultanate of Oman from 1997 to 2020 and subsequently Minister of Energy and Minerals (2020-2022). H.E. Dr. Al Rumhy spearheaded Oman’s entry into petrochemical and chemical production in the early 2000s.

Key questions:

• How should young Omanis be thinking about their role in the country’s energy and development going forward?
• How will the global energy landscape evolve in the next decade, especially with the push toward renewables?
• How can fossil fuel producing countries like Oman strike a balance between economic dependence on fossil fuels and the urgency of the energy transition?

Carbon Markets Uncovered with Luyue Tan

Luyue Tan is a Senior Carbon Analyst at the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). Her expertise covers price developments, market dynamics, and forecasting trends in the carbon trading market, such as European Union Allowances (EUA) and UK Allowances (UKA) prices.

Key questions:

• What are carbon markets and how do they relate to carbon dioxide emissions and combatting -climate change?
• What is the Chinese Carbon Trading System?
• What are “carbon offset credits” and how are these traded?

Harnessing the Desert Sun: The Middle East’s Solar Revolution with Veronica Bermudez Benito

Dr Veronica Bermudez Benito is the Director of Energy at the Al Wajba Establishment and the former R&D Director, Energy at the Qatar Environment & Energy Research Institute (QEERI). She also acts as an independent expert for a number of international funding agencies such as the European Commission and European National funding bodies.

Key questions:

• What role do you see solar power playing in the Middle East's transition to a renewable energy future?
• Will solar power take a major role in electricity generation given that the marginal cost of production of fossil fuels is low in the Middle East?
• For the smaller Middle Eastern countries, is the availability of land a problem for the installation of solar farms?

Powering the Future: Renewable Energy and Climate Finance with Ahmed Badr

Ahmed Badr is the Director of the IRENA Project Facilitation and Support division (PFS). The division offers member countries dedicated project implementation support. Mr. Badr joined the Agency in April 2020 and has more than 30 years of international experience in the field of banking and finance.

Key questions:

• Does IRENA finance projects or is it a facilitator between developers and financial institutions?
• How does IRENA advise on the problems associated with integrating renewable energy into their existing energy systems?
• What types of climate change support projects is IRENA mostly involved in?

From Policy to Practice: How Cities Can Combat Climate Change with Karim Elgendy

Karim Elgendy is an urban sustainability and climate consultant with more than two decades of experience.  He is the founder and coordinator of Carboun, an advocacy initiative promoting sustainability in Cities of the Middle East and North Africa through research and communication, and Associate Fellow at Chatham House.

Key questions:

• How do climate change policies differ between fossil fuel-rich and fossil fuel-poor countries?
• What are the most effective measures cities can adopt to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events?
• How do coastal cities balance economic growth with climate resilience efforts?

Trump, Tariffs, and Oil: The Global Energy Landscape with Anas Alhajji

Anas F. Alhajji is a world-renowned energy markets expert, researcher, author, and a speaker with more than 900 papers, articles and columns to his credit. He advises governments, companies, financial institutions and investors on various energy markets issues. 

Key questions:

• What does Donald Trump’s reelection mean for the energy markets?
• What is the outlook for the global energy market in 2025?
• Is the COP process still fit for purpose?

Energy Politics and Climate Realities: Expert Insights with Jim Krane

Jim Krane is a Wallace S. Wilson Fellow for Energy Studies at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy in Houston. He is the author of the “City of Gold: Dubai and the Dream of Capitalism”, a book widely recognised as the seminal work on the city-state.

Key questions:

• What is dominating energy politics now?
• Have energy subsidies in fossil fuel producing countries encouraged excessive consumption?
• Are attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea impacting energy flows?

Exploring Gulf Economies, Technology, and Global Relations with Robert Mogielnicki

Robert Mogielnicki is a Senior Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington and an expert in MENA political economy. A Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations, he also teaches China-MENA relations at Georgetown and George Washington University. 

Key questions:

• What are the key technology trends shaping the Gulf’s energy sector?
• How could the U.S. presidential election affect its relationship with the Gulf?
• What is the role and purpose of Free Zones in the GCC?

Cooling the Future: Exploring District Cooling with Yasser Al-Jaidah

Yasser Al-Jaidah is the CEO of Qatar Cool, the leading district cooling company in Qatar. Mr Al Jaidah has over a decade of experience in the energy industry and is an expert in the fields of maintenance, operation engineering, project management, marketing and venture projects.

Key questions:

• How does district cooling technology work and what are its key components?
• What are the primary energy sources for district cooling systems?
• What are the key differences between the energy efficiency of district cooling and traditional air conditioning systems?

JOAs Explained: Why They’re Vital to Oil & Gas Success with Eduardo G. Pereira

Eduardo G. Pereira is a worldwide recognised scholar specialising in natural resources and energy law. He is a founding partner at the International Energy Law Training and Research Company as well as at the International Energy Law Advisory Group.

Key questions:

•  What is a Joint Operating Agreement (JOA)?
• Why are JOAs commonly used in the oil and gas industry?
• How do JOAs differ from other types of agreements, such as Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) or farm-out agreements?

Shaping the Energy Landscape Through Innovation and Advocacy with Dr. Carole Nakhle

Dr. Carole Nakhle is the Founder and CEO of Crystol Energy. Crystol Energy is a leading advisory, research, and training company with a distinguished global presence across the public and private sectors, as well as academia.

Key questions:

• What work has Crystol Energy completed in South Sudan?
• What are the energy taxation trends across Europe?
• What are some recent technological advancements in the oil and gas sector?

Adapting to Change: Middle East Oil Trends and Renewable Strategies with Laury Haytayan

Laury Haytayan is an oil and gas expert in the Middle East and North Africa. Since 2011, she has been leading the parliamentary capacity development portfolio at the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) in the MENA region.

Key questions:

• How will Middle East oil production evolve over the next decade?
• What are the prospects for new oil and gas discoveries in the MENA region?
• Why are North African producers important in the global energy market?

CCUS Explained: Science, Stakes, Solutions with Mercedes Maroto-Valer

Mercedes Maroto-Valer is the Champion and Director of the UK Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC), which focuses on accelerating the transition to net zero for the UK industrial clusters.

Key questions:

• What is the economic viability of CCUS technology?
• What are the key considerations for integrating CCUS technologies into existing energy infrastructure?
• How can the public perception of CCUS projects be improved?

Assessing the Oil and Gas Markets: Insights and Analysis with Paul Horsnell

Dr. Paul Horsnell is the Head of Commodities Research for Standard Chartered Bank and is based in London. His team covers key metals and energy markets with analysts based in Singapore, Shanghai, and London.

Key questions:

• What is the current state of the oil market?
• When is peak demand for fossil fuels likely?
• What is the future of hydrogen and ammonia in the energy mix?

Redefining Energy: The IEA's Journey Towards a Sustainable Future with Fatih Birol

Dr Fatih Birol has served as Executive Director of the International Energy Agency since September 2015. Under his leadership, the Agency has moved to the forefront of global efforts to reach international climate goals.  

Key questions:

• What is the current relationship between the IEA and OPEC?
• What is the IEA’s stance on the energy transition and climate change?
• Is there a gap between critical mineral demand and current investment?

Going Green: How the UK Changed Its Energy Policies with Charles Hendry

The Rt Hon Charles Hendry is the United Kingdom’s former Minister of State for Energy at the Department for Energy & Climate Change. Previously, he was a member of Parliament for Wealden from 2001 to 2015 and served as the Conservative Party’s spokesperson on energy issues from 2005 to 2010.

Key questions:

• How has the UK’s energy policy changed in recent years
• What are the primary challenges facing the UK's energy sector?
• What is the role of renewable energy sources in the UK's energy mix?

Fueling the Future: Transforming Waste into Energy with Heinrich Hafner

Heinrich Hafner is the CEO of Hafner Energy from Waste Products. Hafner Energy from Waste Products has been active for about 40 years in the field of waste incineration.

Key questions:

• How is energy extracted from waste?
• How is the energy generated by incinerators typically utilised?
• Can flue gas emissions be controlled?

Small States and the Global Energy Landscape with Rory Miller

Rory Miller is a Professor of International Politics, Director of the Energy Studies Certificate program, and Co-Director of the small states research program at Georgetown University in Qatar.

Key questions:

• Will some small states' influence decline if fossil fuel sales dip in the future?
• Will small states convert into knowledge or science-based economies?
• Does investing in soft power assets help build goodwill and gain political influence?

Exploring Gas Demand in a Changing Landscape with Bill Farren-Price

Bill Farren-Price is a Senior Research Fellow and Head of Gas Research at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. Until early 2023, he was the Director, Head of Global Energy Macro Research at Enverus, a leading US oil and gas data analytics firm.

Key questions:

• How does the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies conduct its gas research?
• Is there a genuine supply risk that is factored into LNG supplies?
• Does coal to gas and gas to coal switching take place in some national economies?

Unpackaging COP28 and Its Impact on the Energy Transition With Dr. Laurent Lambert

Dr. Laurent Lambert is a faculty member at the School of Public Administration and Development Economics at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. At the institute, he oversees courses on energy policy and sustainability.

Key questions:

• Was COP28 a success, failure, or just as much as could be expected?
• Will Middle Eastern nations struggle to create and adhere to their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?
• What is the Global Stocktake, and has progress been made in the race to achieve net zero by mid-century?

Firefighting and Championing Women's Rights in Kuwait With Sara Akbar

Sara Akbar is a Kuwaiti chemical petroleum engineer, women's rights advocate, and co-founder and former chief executive officer of Kuwait Energy. She is recognised as a "national hero" due to her firefighting efforts in the Kuwaiti oil fires and was subsequently awarded the Global 500 Roll of Honour from the United Nations Environmental Program.

Key questions:

• What were your firefighting exploits during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in the early 1990s?
• How will Kuwait cope with changing industry dynamics with regards to climate change and the energy transition?
• How has the role of women in the energy industry grown over the past few decades?

Climate Change and the Energy Transition in the Gulf with Marie van den Bosch

Marie van den Bosch is a visiting scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. Her research currently focuses on green energy and democratisation, the effect of climate change on regime survival, and energy transition in the Gulf.

Key questions:

• Will the global efforts to combat climate change force political change and if so, in what direction might those changes occur?
• How will the rentier economies manage with a fall in income?
• Will the Gulf’s economic prominence decline as the energy transition proceeds?

Unlocking Hydrogen Growth in Qatar with Fadwa Eljack

Fadwa Eljack is a professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering at Qatar University (QU).  Professor Eljack's research focuses mainly in the area of Process System Engineering that includes optimisation and management of gas processing facilities, flare reduction, risk assessment and the inclusion of safety in design.

Key questions:

• What is the importance of studying hydrogen?
• Will its significance to Qatar go over and above the traditional uses of desulphurisation in refineries?
• Can hydrogen be used in electricity-generating plants in Qatar?

The Energy Landscape in Asia with Vandana Hari

Vandana Hari is Founder and CEO of Vanda Insights, which provides macro-analysis of the global oil markets through publications, bespoke research projects and corporate briefings. In her career spanning mainstream socio-political journalism, she has worked in New Delhi, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Key questions:

• When will demand for fuels in China rise again?
• What is the status of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline that will export natural gas from Russia's Western Siberia Altai region to northeastern China?
• Will Asian countries ever give up coal?

Social Transformations and Economic Reforms in the Gulf With Tim Callen

Tim Callen is a visiting Fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (AGSIW) and specialises on the economics of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. His impressive background includes over 30 years at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he was Mission Chief to Saudi Arabia.

Key questions:

• Are Gulf countries now more willing to publish their population statistics than in previous years?
• What is the effect of this low number of citizens among the general population on government policy?
• Are we in the midst of a cultural shift where women are having more active roles in the public and private sectors in he Gulf?

Rentier States – Overcoming the Dutch Disease With Giacomo Luciani

Giacomo Luciani is a leading expert on the geopolitics of energy. Mr. Luciani is primarily known for his seminal contributions to the theory of the rentier state and is currently an adjunct professor at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva.

Key questions:

• Currently, rentier states are more likely to be fossil fuel rich suppliers that are not industrialised. Do you agree with this assertion?
• What strategies could rentier states implement to make them more economically competitive?
• How is the transition to clean energy progressing and is limiting the rise to 1.5 C by 2050 still achievable?

Inspiring a Generation of Women with Tofol Al Nasr

Tofol Al-Nasr is a partner at Daleelaq Consulting. In 2017, Ms. Al-Nasr was nominated by HE Dr. Al-Sada, then Qatar’s minister of energy and industry, to join OPEC as a diplomat, becoming the first Qatari woman to serve her country in this capacity.

Key questions:

• What is the core function of Daleelaq Consulting and your role within the organisation?
• What were your duties at OPEC?
• Despite its residual oil production, Qatar is no longer a member of OPEC. What are your views on Qatar’s OPEC exit?

The Availability of Hydrogen for the Energy Transition with Professor Graham Weale

Professor Weale is a recognised authority on energy markets with over 40 years’ experience. He has been Professor of Energy Economics at Ruhr University Bochum since 2016.

Key questions:

• Is green hydrogen more expensive to produce than blue hydrogen?
• Will hydrogen replace natural gas in its main markets such as electricity generation and domestic and industrial space heating?
• What new technical processes will be required to use hydrogen in “hard to abate” industries?

The Future of Solar Energy in the Middle East with Joumana Hosri

Joumana Hosri is a businesswoman and board member of the Fernand Hosri Group. The group was founded in 1966 by her father, Fernand Hosri. Ms Hosri is also the CEO of Sacotel Znshine, a joint venture company between Sacotel and Znshine PV-Tech.

Key questions:

• Does Sacotel Znshine sell or install solar panels?
• The emphasis in the Gulf region appears to be on major solar plants and distributed electricity, whilst in Europe the trend appears to be on domestic solar panels. Why is that?
• Do you think that solar power will become the most important source of energy in the next 30 years?

Growing Demand for Coal in Volatile Times With Neil Fleming

Neil Fleming is a renowned figure in the world of energy journalism, serving as the Senior Vice President and Global Head of Editorial at Argus Media. With 38 years of experience, Mr Fleming has played a critical role in shaping the landscape of energy and commodities reporting.

Key questions:

• Has the world reached peak oil?
• Is the increase in the use of coal being driven by China and worldwide demand?
• Can global warming be limited to 1.5 degree Celsius by midcentury?
• What are ‘rare earths’ and why are they important?

KPC Bullish on Its Role in the Global Oil Market

Sheikh Nawaf Saud Nasir Al-Sabah is the Deputy Chairman and CEO of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation's (KPC), the state-owned oil company of Kuwait. He is the principal in-house counsel to KPC and an active member of KPC’s negotiating teams on all of its strategic projects.

Key questions:

• Is the oil market balanced right now?
• Where do you see the direction of oil demand heading in the second half of 2023? Are you optimistic that Chinese demand will continue to increase?
• Can the current political situation in Kuwait harm your competitiveness and investment planning over the next 12-18 months?

The Future of Oil Demand in a Changing World With Joel Couse

Joel Couse is a special advisor to the International Energy Agency – commonly referred to as the IEA – specialising in Energy Markets and Security. Previously he was Chief Energy Economist for Total Energy.

Key questions:

• Is growth in demand dependent on an economic recovery in China and prosperity in India?
• Will electric car growth lead to a worldwide reduction in demand for gasoline in the coming years?
• When demand for gasoline does reduce, will there be a similar reduction in demand for diesel, kerosene, and jet fuel or are these products more difficult to replace?

Dragon Rising: China’s Role in the Global Energy Industry with Dr. Michal Meidan

Dr. Michal Meidan is the Director of China Energy Research at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES). Before joining OIES in July 2019, she was Vice President Research at Energy Aspects and headed China Matters, an independent research consultancy.

Key questions:

• Will there be a second Power of Siberia pipeline and if so on what time scale?
• In recent months, China has been in the headlines for its zero COVID policy. What are your thoughts on the controversial campaign and subsequent U-turn?
• In the summer of 2022, parts of China experienced high temperatures and power shortages. If China has another hot summer, could a new energy crisis unfold?

A Changing World and the Energy Transition with Marc-Antoine Eyl-Mazzega

Marc-Antoine Eyl-Mazzega is the Director of the Centre for Energy at the French Institute of International Relations, commonly known as IFRI. Prior to joining IFRI, he spent six years at the International Energy Agency (IEA), mostly notably as Russian and Sub-Saharan Africa Programme Manager.

Key questions:

• Has the energy transition been hampered by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine?
• What are the most significant parts of the European Green Deal?
• What have been the effects of the European Union’s block on Russian oil product exports?

The Big Picture - 2023 and Beyond with Jihad Azour

Jihad Azour is the Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). At the IMF, Mr. Azour oversees the Fund’s work in the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and Caucasus. Previously, he served as Lebanon’s Finance Minister in 2005-08.

Key questions:

• Inflation, public debt, and rising spending needs have become huge obstacles for many MENA countries to overcome. Where do you see the most reason for concern?
• What will be the economic ramifications of the devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey?
• How effective and important could the “Loss and Damage” Fund for Vulnerable Countries agreed on at COP27 be for countries such as Pakistan?

A New Normal - The Changing Future of Energy with Saad Rahim

Saad Rahim is the Chief Economist for Trafigura, a market leader in the global commodities industry. He is responsible for the company’s outlook on markets and macroeconomics, including oil and metals markets, commodity prices, equity and credit trends, and political risk.

Key questions:

• Is there enough liquidity in the LNG market?
• What drives the purchaser of LNG to choose one benchmark over another?
• Are Russian gas supplies discounting prices?

A New Normal - The Changing Future of Energy with Laurent Vivier

Laurent Vivier is the Senior Vice President of Global Electricity Trading at TotalEnergies. He began his career at TotalEnergies in 1996 in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) trading and later moved into natural gas trading, working in Paris, Geneva, London, and Houston.

Key questions:

• Will there be major uses for gas post-2050?
• Is TotalEnergies still part of the Yamal LNG project?
• What is the outlook for the Novatek Arctic 2 project?

Gas and Its Infrastructure - Trends in France and the Rest of Europe

Jean-Marc Leroy is the Senior Executive Vice President for External Relations at ENGIE. Previously, he served as Managing Director for Gas Chain at ENGIE and as Chief Executive Officer of Storengy, ENGIE’s underground gas storage operator.

Key questions:

• Which sources of green gas will ENGIE prioritize?
• Will gas production remain a major part of the business in the coming decades?
• What is the function of the Global Gas Centre?

After the Crash – Progress so Far with Dr. Tatiana Mitrova

Tatiana Mitrova is a Research Fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University. From February 2017 to December 2020, she was Executive Director of the Energy Centre at the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO.

Key questions:

• Can Europe obtain sufficient non-Russian gas to remain comfortably supplied next winter?
• Is it practical for European nations to import gas from countries like Iran or Azerbaijan?
• Will the current geopolitical situation affect the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement?

Computing Developments with Mohamed Hasan

Mohamed Hasan currently serves as Microsoft’s Energy Industry and Sustainability Director for the MEA region. He joined Microsoft in February 2020 to launch and manage Energy Core, Microsoft’s first global Center of Excellence for AI, Cloud, and IoT in the energy sector.

Key questions:

• How are Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) applicable to the energy sector?
• What technological breakthroughs might benefit energy operations, and what are their advantages?
• Can computing make a major contribution to the fight against global warming?

A New Normal - The Changing Future of Energy with Alain Bifani

Alain Bifani was appointed Director General of the Ministry of Finance in 2000, becoming the youngest person to hold that position in Lebanon. He is known for successfully driving change in a complex, multicultural environment where allegiance to clans often overrides institutional loyalty.

Key questions:

• Will the geopolitical situation lead to a global recession?
• How difficult is it to implement economic reform in Lebanon?
• Why did he resign from his role as Director General of the Ministry of Finance?

Energy Security in Europe with Roger Diwan

Roger Diwan is a Vice President at IHS Markit Energy and leads a dedicated research team that advises the financial sector on integrated energy strategies. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in oil and gas markets, energy trends, and the capital dimensions of the energy transition.

Key questions:

• What effect will the conflict in Ukraine have on energy supply?
• What is the likely future of the refined products trade in Europe?
• Could Russia eventually cut gas supplies to Europe?

The Future of Energy With Stephane Michel

Stéphane Michel is President Gas, Renewables & Power (GRP) and a Total Executive Committee member at TotalEnergies. Since January 2014, Stéphane Michel had been SVP Middle East & North Africa, Exploration & Production.

Key questions:

• How will TotalEnergies become a top 5 producer of renewable energy by 2030?
• How will TotalEnergies finance the cost of transformation?
• What is the geographical spread of the renewable projects at TotalEnergies?

The Practical Use of Hydrogen With Abdurrahman Khalidi

Abdurrahman Khalidi is the Chief Technology Officer at GE Gas Power, for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He holds a PhD in architectural engineering from Cornell University and was formerly a Senior Mechanical engineer in GE global research in Niskayuna. 

Key questions: 

• What is the practicality of producing hydrogen?
• What can hydrogen be used for in the Middle East? 
• What solar energy project sare GE working on?

Interview With H.E. Dr Leila Benali

H.E. Dr Leila Benali is the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development for Morocco.  Her previous roles include Chief Economist to the IEF and Chief Economist and Head of Strategy and Sustainability at the Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (APICORP).

Key questions:

• When will Morocco achieve its renewable energy targets?
• What does the future hold for solar energy in Morocco?
• What role will wind, and hydropower play in Morocco's energy mix?

The Changing Future of European Energy with Arnaud Breuillac

Arnaud Breuillac is the former President of Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies. Between 2004 and 2006 he served as the company’s Vice President, Iran, in the Middle East Division, and in December 2006, he was appointed to Exploration & Production’s Management Committee. 

Key questions: 

• Has the age of oil and gas exploration ended?
• Does gas have a future in domestic space heating?
• Will oil be limited to aviation? 

Insights and Analysis on Hydrogen and Natural Gas with Anne-Sophie Corbeau

Anne-Sophie Corbeau is a Global Research Scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Her research focuses on hydrogen and natural gas. 

Key questions:

• Will the future of coal be saved by CCUS? 
• Does gas have a future as a ‘standby’ clean fuel?
• Will the future of gas be forever embroiled in hydrogen

Energy Transitions in the MENA Region With Dr. Mostefa Ouki

Dr Mostefa Ouki is an independent energy consultant and has over thirty years of experience in developing, executing, and managing gas and energy-related techno-economic projects throughout the world.  He led numerous consulting and advisory assignments commissioned by governments; national and international energy companies; and international financial institutions. 

Key questions:

• How can the MENA region reduce its carbon emissions?
• What financial impact will carbon reductions have in hydrocarbon economies?
• What effect will carbon taxes have on fuel exports from MENA?

Knowledge Sharing Between Oil & Gas Producers With Dr. Valerie Marcel

Dr Valérie Marcel is the project lead for the New Producers Group and an Associate Fellow at Chatham House, conducting fieldwork and advising governments across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, South America, and the Caribbean on petroleum-sector strategy and governance.

Key questions: 

• What challenges are inherent in knowledge sharing between oil and gas producers?
• What kinds of knowledge are exchanged between producers?
• Why aren’t members of the New Producers Group members of OPEC or GECF?

LNG - A Time of Change in the USA - With Mr Charif Souki

Charif Souki is the Executive Chairman and co-founder of Tellurian Inc., and previously founded Cheniere Energy, where he served as CEO until 2015. Prior to his energy career, he worked as an investment banker and holds a B.A. from Colgate University and an MBA from Columbia University.

Key questions:

• How important is attracting the right talent for key roles in the LNG industry?
• How much support do you think there is in the U.S. for LNG projects, especially given the climate agenda?
• What are your longer-term aspirations beyond Driftwood?

Energy & Climate Change in the Middle East With Ali Al-Saffar

Ali Al-Safar is the Middle East and North Africa Program Manager at the International Energy Agency (IEA), and he is an expert on energy policy, climate transition, and sustainable development in the MENA region. Emphasizes the urgency of policy shifts to decarbonize the energy system.

Key questions: 

• Will consumption of fossil fuels diminish, and how can we meet rising energy demand sustainably?
• Can the Middle East continue to grow economically if oil demand decreases?
• Are alternative fuels like solar energy economically viable in the Middle East?

Clean Energy & New Fuels in the Gulf With Jeffrey Beyer

Jeffrey Beyer is a sustainability strategist with deep expertise in climate policy, energy efficiency, and the low-carbon transition. He has worked with governments, utilities, and multilateral organizations to design and implement sustainable energy strategies.

Key questions:

• What renewable options exist, other than solar energy in the Gulf?
• Can hydrogen become a viable fuel in the Middle East?
• Can nuclear power be a viable long-term global energy solution?

Affordable & Clean Energy With Mr Hongpeng Liu

Hongpeng Liu is the Director of the Energy Division at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP). He leads ESCAP’s energy team to foster regional cooperation, advance SDG 7, and support the 2030 Agenda through policy research.

Key questions:

• How important is the upcoming high-level dialogue at the United Nations to SDG7 and achieving its goals?
• Is the “clean” aspect of SDG7 interchangeable with the phrase “low carbon emission energy”?
• What is SCAP’s general stance on carbon pricing?

Gas, CCUS, Net-zero, & Hydrogen With Dr James Henderson

Dr. James Henderson is the Director of the Natural Gas Programme at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES), where he has contributed research since 2010. His work spans the Gas and Oil Programmes, focusing on Russia, the CIS region, and global energy dynamics affecting these areas.

Key questions:

• What are your thoughts on the IEA’s Net Zero by 2050 report?
• What actions should countries like the USA and China take to reduce their emissions?
• Is hydrogen a viable route for electricity generation and storage?

The Methane Conundrum With Mr Braulio Pikman

Braulio Pikman is the Technical Director at ERM: Environmental Resources Management, specialising in sustainability, energy, and climate change. He has also served as a consultant for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) since 2005.

Key questions: 

• How big is the methane emissions problem?
• What role should industry and government play in reducing methane?
• What’s the UN’s role in methane reduction?

European Interview Series: Mr Martin Lambert

Dr. Martin Lambert is a Senior Research Fellow and Head of Hydrogen Research at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. He focuses on hydrogen, renewable gases, methane emissions, and carbon capture technologies. His work explores how these areas contribute to the transition toward a low-carbon energy system.

Key questions:

• Can you tell us about your role at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies and your focus on hydrogen research?
• What is the current state and future outlook of the hydrogen economy, especially in Europe?
• Could hydrogen produced from green electricity serve as a reserve fuel or grid balancing solution?

Forced Changes In The Energy Industry With Mr Tom Ellacott

Tom Ellacott is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Research at Wood Mackenzie. He specialises in corporate strategy analysis across the energy sector, with a focus on oil and gas companies, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and benchmarking.

Key questions: 

• What do the ExxonMobil and Chevron board events reveal about shareholder pressure on fossil fuel companies?
• Will independent oil and gas producers and suppliers begin to realign their businesses?
• Is the push for blue hydrogen and CCS a strategy to avoid stranded assets?

Towards Net-Zero With Ms Marzia Zafar

Marzia Zafar is the Director of Sustainability and Policy at Kaluza, part of the OVO Group, where she leads efforts to drive decarbonization through innovative energy technology. She focuses on making sustainable energy solutions accessible and easy for customers, utilities, and policymakers alike. 

Key questions: 

• What inspired you to pursue a career in sustainability and energy policy?
• What challenges do you see in getting consumers more engaged with sustainable energy solutions?
• Can you explain how smart grids contribute to reducing carbon emissions?

Peak Oil & Energy Transitions with Mr. Pierre Terzian

Pierre Terzian, a Lebanese oil expert, heads Petrostrategies, Inc., a Paris-based consulting and publishing firm. He is the author of OPEC: The Inside Story and a recipient of the Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Award.

Key questions:

• What is peak oil?
• How might peak gas be influenced by climate change mitigation efforts?
• Why is LNG a good option for fueling the shipping industry?

The Changing Future of Energy With Dr. Axel Wietfeld

Dr. Axel Wietfeld is Executive Vice President of Procurement & Real Estate (Chief Procurement Officer) at Uniper Hydrogen. Previously, he served as CEO of Uniper Hydrogen, overseeing global hydrogen initiatives for Uniper and Fortum.

Key questions:

• What is the future of hydrogen in the Middle East?
• What role will hydrogen play in the energy transition?
• What is the potential for a hydrogen trading market?

New Fuels, New Energy Sources (Part II) With Dr. Veronica Bermudez Benito

Dr. Veronica Bermudez Benito is the Director of Energy at the Al Wajba Establishment and the former R&D Director of Energy at the Qatar Environment & Energy Research Institute (QEERI). She also serves as an independent expert for numerous international funding agencies.

Key questions:

• What is QEERI, and what does it do?
• What progress has Qatar made in photovoltaic cell research?
• What are the opportunities for PV cell technology in the Middle East?

Future Energy Transitions With Dr. Bassam Fattouh

Dr. Bassam Fattouh is the Director of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES) and a Professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). He has published extensively on energy policy, international oil pricing, OPEC behavior, energy transitions, and the economies of oil-producing countries.

Key questions:

• When will peak oil occur?
• What role will hydrogen play in the energy transition?
• What are the current dynamics of the oil market?

New Fuels, New Energy Sources (Part I) With Dr. Marcello Contestabile

Dr. Marcello Contestabile is the Chief Economist at the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), where he leads the Economics and Policy Programme. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Hamad bin Khalifa University and a Visiting Fellow at Imperial College London.

Key questions:

• What is the core function of QEERI?
• What progress has been made in the electrification of Qatar’s transport sector?
• Do lithium-ion batteries have a longer lifespan than other battery types?

Methane Emissions, Energy Transition & Climate Change with Mr. Bart Wauterickx

Bart Wauterickx is the Managing Director of XP Upgreen, a company focused on helping oil and gas operators reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with regulations.

Key questions:

• What are the impacts of methane emissions?
• How can methane emissions be reduced?
• What is XP Upgreen’s Methane Accounting Programme?

Hydrogen and Carbon Free Energy With Mr Martin O'Neill

Martin O'Neill is Vice President of Product Management at GE Gas Power and leads GE’s Center for Decarbonization. A senior executive with expertise across power generation, marine, aviation, and transportation, he guides GE’s strategic direction in clean energy.

Key questions:

• What is the role of GE’s Center for Decarbonization?
• Will CCUS ever become affordable enough for widespread adoption?
• How significant is wind power for GE?

The Changing Future of Energy With Ms Mechthild Wörsdörfer

Mechthild Wörsdörfer is Deputy Director-General at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy, where she leads work on the just and green energy transition. This includes the REPowerEU initiative, renewable energy deployment, energy efficiency, and energy security.

Key questions:

• How is the role of the IEA evolving?
• What actions is the EU taking to combat climate change?
• Will coal return as a key energy source in Europe?

Environmental Bodies in Energy Transition With Mr Harry Sealy

Harry Sealy is the Chairman and Founding Member of the Middle East and North African Chapter of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), a global body of over 16,000 sustainability professionals.

Key questions:

• Is there any conflict between professional sectors within the environmental and sustainability community in Qatar?
• How does an organisation become an approved training course provider by IEMA?
• Has the reduction in air traffic during the pandemic significantly impacted air pollution levels?

The Future Role of Carbon Markets With Mr Simon Henry

Simon Henry is Director of Carbon Market Development at the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA). He leads IETA’s efforts to advance private sector engagement in Natural Climate Solutions and REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation).

Key questions:

• Has any progress been made toward achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement?
• Are you optimistic about the outcomes of COP26?
• What role will carbon markets play in a decarbonising global economy?

Outlook for LNG Worldwide With Ms Patricia Roberts

Patricia Roberts is an Associate Director of CWC’s gas portfolio. She is also involved with the CWC School for Energy and its training programs. With a decade of experience as an independent consultant and Director of LNG Worldwide Ltd., she brings deep market insight.

Key questions:

• When will global gas demand fully recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Will major gas producers take stronger action to reduce methane emissions?
• What actions should be taken to mitigate CO₂ emissions in the coming years?

Energy Policy After the 2020 US Elections With Ms Marianne Kah

Marianne Kah is a Senior Research Scholar and Advisory Board Member at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA. She was previously the Chief Economist at ConocoPhillips, where she led market outlook development and scenario planning.

Key questions:

• How critical is fiscal stimulus to sustaining momentum, particularly in the US?
• Can the US meet its Paris climate commitments given a divided Congress?
• Will methane emissions force the US gas industry to clean up its carbon footprint to stay globally competitive?

Hydrogen, New Industries & Tackling Climate Change With Dr. David Hart

Dr. David Hart is a leading expert in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. He serves as the Global Hydrogen Lead at ERM and is a Visiting Professor at Imperial College London.

Key questions:

• Are there untapped uses for hydrogen we haven’t yet considered?
• How important is scale for hydrogen to become a viable generation fuel?
• Are fuel cells a viable solution for global transportation?

The Role of Oil & Gas in a Low Carbon Economy With Mr Jorge Blazquez

Jorge Blazquez is a senior economist focused on energy transitions. He currently serves as Senior Advisor for Energy Transition and System Analysis at BP, and previously held research roles at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre.

Key questions:

• Are changes in the oil sector—particularly in refining—likely to be long-lasting?
• How does BP plan to become a net-zero company by 2050?
• Which type of hydrogen—green or blue—is likely to dominate future energy mixes?

Will The Pandemic Also Claim Refinery Victims? With Mr Alan Gelder

Alan Gelder is Senior Vice President of Refining, Chemicals, and Oil Markets at Wood Mackenzie. He leads the company’s research on global market outlooks and contributes to its integrated cross-sector perspectives.

Key questions:

• How are refiners handling reduced demand for aviation kerosene?
• Are we creating future problems under today’s best-case scenarios?
• Is refinery and petrochemical integration still the path forward?

Circular Economy & Future Developments With Dr. Patrick Schroder

Dr. Patrick Schröder is a Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House’s Environment and Society Centre. His work focuses on the global transition to an inclusive circular economy, including trade, investment, and policy coordination in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Key questions:

• How does a circular economy differ from the traditional linear model?
• How optimistic should we be about businesses moving in the right direction?
• Why is only 8% of global materials recycled or reused—is that a cost issue?

What Might 2021 Bring for LNG? With Mr Luke Cottell

Luke Cottell is an Associate Director at Timera Energy, supporting clients with LNG market analysis and portfolio optimization. Previously, he led the LNG Analytics Team at S&P Global Commodity Insights.

Key questions:

• Will the U.S. remain the principal swing supplier in the global LNG market in 2021?
• What are the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on LNG, particularly regarding new project investment and Asian demand?
• What can we expect from LNG supply and demand heading into the winter season?

New Technology Trends Post Covid19? With Mr Ivan Marten

Dr. Iván Martén is a Senior Partner Emeritus of Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Non-Executive Director and Board Member of several foundations, companies, and educational institutions. He is a fellow of the Al-Attiyah Foundation.

Key questions:

• What are the key challenges for governments and the energy sector in advancing a clean energy future?
• Is the energy sector competitive enough, or is it still dominated by legacy players?
• What role do regional cooperation and policy frameworks play in the energy transition?

The Changing World of Natural Gas With HE Dr Yury Sentyurin

H.E. Dr. Yury Sentyurin served as Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) from 2018 to 2021. He has held high-level positions in both the Russian federal and regional governments.

Key questions:

• How has your market forecast changed in light of the pandemic? How long will the current oversupply last?
• Is natural gas still a transitional fuel between the oil age and a clean energy future?
• Do developing countries primarily need more and cheaper energy—is that the trade-off?

A 'New Normal' in Energy & Sustainable Development With Prof Jos Delbeke

Professor Jos Delbeke is a Belgian economist and a leading authority on European climate policy. He holds the EIB Chair on Climate Policy and International Carbon Markets at the European University Institute in Florence.

Key questions:

• Can the world unite on energy targets despite global divisions?
• Will COVID-19 have a lasting impact?
• Will the pandemic significantly reshape how businesses, governments, and individuals approach energy?

The Economics of Transforming to a Sustainable Energy Future With Prof Michael Grubb

Professor Michael Grubb is Professor of Energy and Climate Change at University College London and founding Editor-in-Chief of the Climate Policy journal. He was also a founding member of the UK Climate Change Committee.

Key questions:

• How will collapsing oil and gas prices affect their future role in the energy mix?
• Why is electricity central to emissions reduction across sectors?
• What challenges are delaying decarbonisation in electricity, especially in Asia?

After the Oil Crash With Prof Paul Stevens

Professor Paul Stevens is Professor of Petroleum Policy and Economics at the University of Dundee and a Distinguished Fellow at Chatham House and the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ).

Key questions:

• Will oil demand return to pre-pandemic levels, or will consumer behavior permanently shift?
• Are OPEC+ production cuts enough to stabilize oil prices?
• Will the COVID-19 pandemic speed up or slow down the transition to renewable energy?

Short-Term Oil Price Behaviour With Mr Robin Mills

Robin Mills is CEO and Founder of Qamar Energy. An expert on hydrocarbons, renewables, and energy strategy, he spent over a decade as an energy economist at Shell.

Key questions:

• Is a V-shaped recovery in global oil demand realistic post-pandemic?
• Can global oil storage handle the current oversupply—and what happens if it can’t?
• What is the outlook for U.S. shale and Canadian tar sands in a low-price environment?