Organizers of Middle East Energy’s debut virtual event have revealed that more than 164 countries participated in the month-long showcase, which featured four online energy sector weeks, between 17 May – 9 June.
The online event attracted 11,000 attendees from 164 countries worldwide, focusing on the latest insights, trends, and innovations across four energy industry sectors, including Renewable & Clean Energy, Transmission & Distribution, Critical & Backup Power, and Energy Consumption & Management.
During the event, 85 sessions, including tech talks, interactive roundtables, panel discussions, thought leadership sessions, and remote interviews, took place. Underscoring the importance of business development and making meaningful contacts, over 7,300 connections were made by 164 exhibiting companies.
Claudia Konieczna, Exhibition Director, Middle East Energy, said: “The outcome of the event has supported our strategy to take Middle East Energy online and deliver a virtual showcase for the energy industry.
“Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we have been able to bring the global energy industry together. A series of insightful and thought-provoking discussions have been instrumental in supporting the sector’s recovery and providing a roadmap for the future.
“During the four sector weeks, we heard from a series of industry heavyweights discussing everything from the adoption of clean hydrogen to automation and digital solutions in transmission and distribution. Energy access to all and the importance of green buildings and smart cities were also highlighted, giving the event broad appeal to those in the energy industry.”
The highlight of the opening day was the welcome speech by H.E. Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, who reiterated the UAE’s commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 70% and increase clean energy use by 50% by 2050.
Elsewhere on day one, H.E. Eng. Yousif Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary – Electricity, Water and Future Energy Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted the UAE’s position to become to be one of the top producers of hydrogen in the world during the session, Energy diversification, and the race to meet clean energy targets – strategies to reach net–zero.
During week two, Transmission & Distribution took centre stage with discussions focused on automation, digital solutions, and artificial intelligence, with reliable generation integral to driving economic recovery post-COVID-19.
The third sector week, Critical and Backup Power, saw a presentation from David Lecoque, CEO, Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE), who highlighted the need to provide electricity to 870 million people who currently don’t have access and better access to the 1.5 billion suffering from unreliable service.
Rounding out the sector weeks was Energy Consumption & Management, where a panel of energy industry experts underscored the importance of green buildings and smart cities in reducing energy consumption. Insights on the opening day session came courtesy of Benoit Lebot, a senior policy adviser in the French government’s Ministry for the Energy Transition; Amr Salah, Senior Director – Head of Utilities, Emaar – The Economic City; and Ahmed Samer Elbermbali, Managing Director, MENA Clean Energy Business Council.
A host of exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations included Perkins, Masdar, Cummins, Brady, Koncar, AVEVA, CESI, HitachiABB, IFS, Riedon, Uniper, and BASEC.
Anand Bansal, Managing Director, Uniper Energy Services, MENA, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to sponsor Middle East Energy once again and be part of the debut virtual event. MEE online is an excellent platform to engage with our peers and keep abreast of the latest trends and regional developments within the power industry.”
Attendees came from a host of countries, with the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Ghana leading the way.
“Connecting the industry during the pandemic was one of our fundamental goals, and I’m thrilled that we have successfully supported the market with MEE Online 2021. All eyes are now on the 2022 in-person event, which will take place 7-9 March, under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure. Middle East Energy at Dubai World Trade Centre is a major highlight of the energy industry calendar, and in 2022 the live event will be back, more progressive, more focused, and stronger than ever before.” said Konieczna.
