Arab energy transition 'achievable through research and innovation'

“The Arab energy transition can only be achieved by encouraging scientific research and innovation,” Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) president Issa bin Hilal al-Kuwari said Sunday. He was delivering the opening speech at the seventh International Investment Forum for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Mena in Amman.The three-day forum is held under the slogan "Renewable Energy and Innovative Agricultural Patterns to Achieve Food Security ''.A statement from Kahramaa said the participants will discuss many important and strategic topics in many areas related to renewable energy technology, innovation in agriculture, smart cities, green hydrogen and sustainability issues.In his opening speech al-Kuwari said one of the most important challenges facing energy transition and sustainable development in the Arab world is the need to provide the necessary infrastructure and complete the electrical connection between Arab countries. He pointed out this is part of the Arab economic integration project that serves Arab societies and governments as a whole.The Kahramaa president stressed the importance of encouraging young groups in the Arab world in scientific research, innovation and creative thinking, the need to provide the necessary support to research centres and universities and support initiatives to embrace innovators to continue their path and develop their work and ideas.Al-Kuwari also stated that Qatar's hosting of the first carbon-neutral World Cup in history is a great achievement that highlights the importance and centrality of sustainability issues in Qatar and the Arab region.The conference includes workshops on Artificial Intelligence and a workshop for energy storage, sustainable development and agricultural innovations in the Arab world. On the sidelines of the forum's opening activities, al-Kuwari honoured the entities supporting The Arab Renewable Energy Commission (AREC) and the owners of initiatives in renewable energy. AREC is considered as one of the leading authorities in the Arab region concerned with issues of sustainability and clean renewable energy, and is affiliated with the Council of Arab Economic Unity, one of the institutions of the League of Arab States.