Conference Programme

Zero-carbon energy sources, including hydrogen, nuclear, biofuel and renewable energy sources like wind, solar, as well as lithium-ion batteries, coexist with the fossil-based sources e.g. oil, natural gas and coal.  However, transformation of global energy from fossil-based to zero-carbon energy sources is currently going on at a fast pace and will be enforced in many countries before the second half of this century, creating a new challenging environment to the downstream industry.   This panel discussion will focus on the energy transition from fossil-based to zero‑carbon energy, and the challenges for the downstream industry.  What are the roles of government policies in enforcing this transition? How environmentalists, business analysts, refiners and automakers are predicting the future as electric vehicles grow in popularity? What is the impact on fossil fuel demand? How refiners will keep growing in the energy business while reducing cost and improving CO2 intensity performance? Where will be the downstream industry in the future?

The road to decarbonisation necessitates that a holistic approach must be adopted to address the urgent need to limit global warming, there is no one single policy, fuel, or technology that will solve the carbon emission issue. But rather a mixture of progressive policies, fuels and technologies will enable the world to limit global warming. More importantly a collaborative and inclusive collaboration among policy makers, the industry, financiers, and other stakeholders is needed to achieve the desired decarbonisation goals. In the GCC region, we are committed to maintain our leadership position in the energy market by addressing our stakeholders and customers energy needs by providing the world with low carbon fuels that will support economic for decades to come. Backed by political commitment towards carbon naturality, companies in the region are well-positioned to de-carbonize their operations and set example for others to follow. This panel will address the following key aspects:  - What are the available de-carbonisation pathways ? - What are the opportunities and challenges ? - The role of financial institutions in supporting the decarbonization of the industry - Carbon pricing and circularity - How to effectively communicate the industry decarbonisation effort to stakeholders?