Table of Contents
- 0.1 Key Insights from the Conference
- 0.2 MENA’s Rising Influence in Energy Transition
- 0.3 Infrastructure and Investment Challenges
- 0.4 Acknowledgements and Future Prospects
- 1 Ation between governments and private sector players will be vital to overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, ensuring a workforce trained in new technologies related to hydrogen and carbon capture will be essential for advancing the sector. Addressing regulatory barriers and streamlining permitting processes are also crucial steps that will enable faster progress and investment in the necessary infrastructure to support growth in the MENA industrial gases sector.
Record Attendance Expected at MENA Industrial Gases Conference in Abu Dhabi
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is set to host the highly anticipated MENA Industrial Gases Conference, commencing tonight, November 18th. With over 270 delegates and more than 30 exhibitors in attendance, this year’s event marks a significant increase compared to the previous year, demonstrating the region’s growing importance in the new energy landscape and its vital role in established sectors.
Key Insights from the Conference
Following an engaging welcome reception, the conference will unfold over two action-packed days, addressing crucial topics such as market dynamics, decarbonisation, helium, hydrogen, and broader industrial gas developments. Noteworthy speakers include:
- Swapnil Vichare, Global Gases Group
- Matthias Kocher, Herose
- Fabio Margheritti, SIAD Macchine Impianti
- Savir Julka, Inoxcva
- Dr. Faye Al Hersh, Masdar
“We’re delighted to return to Abu Dhabi, a location that’s close to our hearts as it hosted our first international gasworld event in 2007,” said Rob Cockerill, Content Director for gasworld. He emphasized that the strong participation is a testament to the industrial gases sector’s robust contribution to MENA economies and its critical role in the global energy transition.
MENA’s Rising Influence in Energy Transition
The MENA region possesses an enviable climate rich in renewable resources and investment opportunities, bolstered by ambitious visions of decarbonisation and green energy leadership. Cockerill noted, “The MENA region will be critical to achieving climate change goals," highlighting that leading companies such as Masdar, ADNOC, and Aramco are spearheading efforts domestically and internationally.
Despite the region’s potential, growth has been described as “subdued” largely due to existing geopolitical uncertainties. A recent World Bank report projects modest GDP growth from 1.8% in 2023 to 2.2% in 2024, primarily driven by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This increase signals an ongoing shift in economic dynamics, with substantial activities observed in hydrogen, ammonia, and low-carbon value chains across the region.
Infrastructure and Investment Challenges
Cockerill underscored the importance of developing necessary infrastructure and skills to keep pace with growing demands in the industrial gases sector. He stated, “With the outlook supported by strong leadership, there is no doubt the transition will become a reality.”
In light of these developments, total global investment in clean energy infrastructure is expected to reach a staggering $2 trillion this year—double that of fossil fuel investments. This shift not only indicates a growing commitment to sustainability but also sets the stage for innovations that could redefine the industry landscape.
Acknowledgements and Future Prospects
gasworld acknowledges principal sponsor Rawabi, along with feature sponsors SinoCleanSky, Chart, and SASPG, as well as supporting sponsors Hangyang, EKC, Cryolor Asia Pacific, Herose, SIAD, and Nikkiso Cosmodyne for their invaluable contributions to making the conference a reality. With the future of the industrial gases sector at a pivotal juncture, the discourse initiated at this conference is expected to shape the region’s energy narrative.
As industry professionals gather to explore the advancements and challenges within the sector, the conversations and insights shared at this conference promise to ignite innovative solutions for sustainable growth.
Is your organization preparing for the upcoming energy transition? Join the conversation below, and share your thoughts on the evolving landscape of MENA’s industrial gases sector.
Question 1: What are some of the key insights and discussions that are expected to unfold at the MENA Industrial Gases Conference in Abu Dhabi?
Answer: The MENA Industrial Gases Conference in Abu Dhabi is setting the stage for critical discussions related to market dynamics, decarbonization, helium, hydrogen, and broader industrial gas developments. With over 270 delegates and more than 30 exhibitors in attendance, this year’s conference represents a significant increase from the previous year, signaling the region’s growing importance in the new energy landscape and its vital role in established sectors. The robust participation is a testament to the industrial gases sector’s contribution to MENA economies and its crucial role in the global energy transition. Attendees and speakers alike are expected to deep-dive into these topics, sharing insights and best practices that can help shape the future of the industry.
Question 2: How does the MENA region stand out in terms of its potential for energy transition and growth within the industrial gases sector?
Answer: The MENA region possesses an enviable climate rich in renewable resources and investment opportunities, making it a key player in the global energy transition. Leading companies such as Masdar, ADNOC, and Aramco are at the forefront of these efforts, driving domestic and international expansion in the hydrogen, ammonia, and low-carbon value chain sectors. Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, the World Bank projects modest GDP growth across the region, primarily driven by GCC countries. This shift indicates a redefinition of economic dynamics within the region and the potential for substantial growth within the industrial gases sector.
Question 3: What infrastructure and investment challenges do you see as critical to supporting the growth of the industrial gases sector in the MENA region?
Answer: Developing necessary infrastructure and skills to keep pace with growing demands will be critical to sustaining the region’s growth within the industrial gases sector. The shift towards clean energy requires significant investment, and although total global investment in clean energy infrastructure is expected to reach $2 trillion this year, double that of fossil fuel investments, there are still challenges to be addressed. Collabor
