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CLIXai was a new feature at the World Future Energy Summit this year. (Image source: Alain Charles Publishing)

At the World Future Energy Summit, which took place from 14-16 January in Abu Dhabi, startups and SMEs showcased their ground-breaking sustainability innovations

The foremost regional event advancing clean energy and sustainability, the World Future Energy Summit was hosted by Masdar as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

Sponsored by the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), CLIX - a World Future Energy Summit initiative designed to address gender disparities in the energy sector – provided a platform for 25 female-founded, owned, and operated startups to present groundbreaking ideas and solutions in the fight against climate change.

Presenters at the CLIX showcase included Christine Gabardo, co-founder and CEO of CERT Systems, whose one-step process produces sustainable ethylene using only recycled carbon dioxide and water, which can then be used in a wide range of applications ranging from plastics to sustainable aviation fuels. The electrochemical carbon utilisation technology plugs into the existing infrastructure, enabling petrochemical companies to drastically reduce their emissions, leverage their existing infrastructure and reduce their CAPEX and OPEX compared to other sustainable solutions. The product is chemically identical to fossil fuel-derived ethylene.

Gabardo sees strong potential for its technology in the region. “This is obviously an area where a lot of oil and gas production is done, so there is a big need to decarbonise,” she said. “However our society will continue to rely on the products currently made from oil and gas. Our technology provides a way to continue to make these products sustainably.”

AI innovations spotlighted at CLIXai

CLIXai, a new concept for 2025, spotlighted AI innovations from 10 trailblazing startups. They included Kamma Climate, which has developed an advanced climate dataset for the built environment, transforming millions of property data points into detailed environmental profiles. Its proprietary data engine equips mortgage lenders, real estate firms, energy companies, and public sector bodies with critical insights to manage climate risk, meet regulatory and net-zero requirements, and commercialise low-carbon technologies.

Meanwhile, Brazilian-based company umgrauemeio has designed an AI solution for wildland fire management that covers more than 17.5 million hectares of forest areas across Brazil. Their software has a ‘smoke detect time’ of three seconds using AI and has reduced the potential of burned areas up to 90% in some coverage areas.

Olive Gaea has developed a tool to streamline complex processes such as carbon emissions measurement and decarbonisation, helping companies reduce their carbon footprint assessment from months to weeks while also increasing accuracy. The company’s focus on supplier engagement and data quality is a key differentiator, according to its co-founder and chief marketing officer, Jessica Scopacasa, who noted that 70% or more of emissions are generated from the supply chain itself.

Turbocharging the hydrogen economy

In the Green Hydrogen Hub, hydrogen innovators representing the entire value chain (from generation to end-use) showcased their technologies that could play a key role in helping the hydrogen economy reach its potential, and ultimately, play a key role in achieving global decarbonisation.

They included H2MOF, which has identified a technology gap in the green hydrogen market in storage and transportation and set a mission to develop solutions that work under ambient temperatures and low pressure, rather than relying on high pressure or cryogenic liquid storage technologies, which rar associated with a huge amount of energy consumption as well as leakages or boil offs. H2MOF’s answer lies in engineering novel materials that attract hydrogen molecules towards the nano-scale cavities of the material. While the bonding is strong enough to retain the hydrogen molecules inside the novel material, it is weak enough to allow for their efficient release when required, without significant energy consumption. This technology will enable low pressure storage; ambient storage; fast charge and discharge rates; and safe and efficient storage, offering the potential to lower hydrogen delivery cost by more than 50% compared to conventional 200-500 bar storage systems.

Also exhibiting was Hydrogenious LOHC, which is aiming to fill the missing link in hydrogen value chains through its proprietory liquid organic hydrogen carrier technology. The company CEO, Dr.-Ing Stefan Bürkle, provided an overview of the LOHC cycle that includes hydrogenation through a catalytic reaction to bind H2 to LOHC in a continuous process. The hydrogen can then be transported with easy and cost-efficient logistics using existing infrastructure for fossil fuels (such as ship, barge, train or truck) and then released in a dehydrogenation process via a catalytic reaction. The company is now on “the edge” of commercialising its technology and is moving closer to fulfilling its purpose of facilitating “large-scale export and import of hydrogen” that will be crucial to decarbonising the economy.

ADSW Summit 2025 to accelerate global sustainable development. (Image source: ADSW)

With an aim to leverage a US$10 trillion economic potential, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025 will bring together 13 heads of state and more than 140 ministers, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE 

With this year's theme being 'The Nexus of Next. Supercharging Sustainable Progress', the role of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence will drive conversations at the ADSW Summit to be held from 14-15 January. 

Heads of state participating in the ADSW Summit include Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan; Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan; William Ruto, President of Kenya; Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria; Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda; Wavel Ramkalawan​, President of Seychelles; Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda; Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan; Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania; Petteri Orpo Prime Minister of Finland; Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, and Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia.

"Under the theme, ‘The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress’, ADSW 2025 invites you to discover the unprecedented socioeconomic opportunities that lie on the horizon and stand at the Nexus of Next. ADSW is not just a platform, but a bold call to action to explore and learn how interconnected systems are driving a new era of supercharged progress, unlocking endless possibilities to help build a better tomorrow for all,” said Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar.

"ADSW Summit 2025 comes at a pivotal moment for accelerating global sustainable development, with technological advances providing unprecedented opportunities for social, environmental and economic progress. The ADSW Summit will serve as a foundational platform to drive the systemic change needed to take advantage of those opportunities, amplifying diverse voices to catalyze change through connection and accelerating the transformation to a more sustainable future. By bringing together leaders in policy, business and technology, ADSW Summit 2025 will unite the global community to deliver interconnected solutions for energy, economies, and the environment," said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar.

 

The eMobility Forum will promote the decarbonisation of the transport sector. (Image source: RX)

As part of global efforts to decarbonise the transport sector, the upcoming World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi will explore, examine, and encourage the use of electric mobility technology, driving the industry towards eMobility

Running from January 14-16 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the three-day show is an integral part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025. This year’s edition proved a widescale success, and the first day of the 2025 show will see the return of the popular eMobility Forum, gathering thought leaders, industry experts, and policy influencers to discuss the emerging trends and infrastructure needed for a transportation revolution.

A theme running across all seven conference tracks is artificial intelligence (AI), with the eMobility Forum dedicating a session to ‘Harnessing real-time AI for seamless urban traffic management’. Zeekr, a global premium electric mobility technology brand that offers a fully integrated user ecosystem, will showcase its Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), which enables it to develop its own battery technologies, battery management systems, electric motor technologies, and EV supply chains.

“While regions like Europe, China, and the USA have scaled EV adoption through various incentives – such as preferential toll tariffs, exclusive EV lanes, dedicated parking, robust charging infrastructure, and tax deductions – there’s immense potential for similar measures to accelerate the UAE's transition to sustainable mobility. If we look back to 2015, anywhere between 50 and 80 vehicles were imported in a year. In 2024, total import figures will likely hit 20,000, and a projected 30,000 by the end of next year. There is a clear appetite for demand as the end users are really starting to understand the benefits of EV adoption,” said Roberto Colucci, director of electric vehicles at AW Rostamani and Zeekr UAE, who will present during the session.

The transportation sector accounts for more than 20% of global carbon emissions; EVs are leading the push to reduce that figure. The World Future Energy Summit will spotlight transport solutions aimed at radically reshaping urban design, fostering sustainable cities, and accelerating the adoption of smart transportation technologies.

Considering the Global South

Another key Forum feature is a dedicated session focusing on the future of eMobility in the Global South, where cars are often a luxury and motorbikes dominate the landscape. Two-wheeled EVs represent a transformative opportunity for the region, but their successful deployment will require reliable electricity infrastructure and an enterprising spirit to scale solutions such as battery-swapping schemes.

The Forum will also feature a session dedicated to ‘Rethinking Infrastructure for Autonomous Vehicles’, during which Zhengxiong Yang, mobility solution architecture lead at Space 42 – the MENA region’s leading space technology player – will share insights on advancing AI in mobility. Yang will highlight the latest updates on the operation of robotaxis on Abu Dhabi’s Yas and Saadiyat islands, including the difficulties in and improvements to infrastructure.

Reducing emissions

The Forum will explore challenges and innovations in reducing emissions across all transport modes. While EVs dominate the road sector’s decarbonisation efforts, electric propulsion systems and hybrid technologies are being developed for maritime vessels. The aviation sector is also making strides with microgrid technology, transforming airports into green energy hubs, and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.

EV sales in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are growing due to government initiatives, strong economies, and a heightened focus on sustainability, with several countries implementing policies to boost adoption. The UAE aims to have EVs make up 50% of road vehicles by 2050, with the broader MENA EV market expected to reach 45,000 units by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 9.07%.

While China is the global leader in EV sales, the UAE was last year first in the region and ranked seventh globally in the EV readiness index, signifying the UAE's commitment to sustainable transportation and its aim to become carbon neutral by 2050.

The eMobility Forum is one of seven vertical conference streams at the summit that will drill down into the entire energy ecosystem. “Our sector conferences provide unparalleled opportunities for visitors, delegates, and exhibitors to discover the latest developments impacting the clean energy, solar, water, waste, sustainable cities, and Pathways to 1.5C sectors,” explained Leen AlSebai, general manager of RX Middle East and head of the World Future Energy Summit.

Visit the website to learn more by clicking here and register for the conference by clicking here

The Malaysia Pavilion at ADIPEC attracted many visitors. (Image source: MATRADE)

The Malaysian Oil & Gas Services and Equipment (OGSE) delegation led by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) generated export sales worth US$90mn during the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2024

A total of 20 Malaysian companies showcased their innovative solutions that align with the global shift towards sustainability and energy transition, such as cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices across the entire oil and gas value chain ranging from safety equipment to integrated solutions for both the upstream and downstream sectors.

“UAE and the MENA region offers tremendous opportunities for Malaysian companies as they continue to launch mega projects in both upstream and downstream sectors and invest heavily in clean energy. Malaysian companies are in an advantageous position to offer cost effective solutions. Our consistent presence in the show is a testament that ADIPEC is a premier platform to strengthen relationships and explore new collaborative opportunities with key global players," said Megat Iskandar, Trade Commissioner of Malaysia to the UAE. "Our goal is to not only elevate Malaysia’s OGSE capabilities but also to extend our industry’s footprint in global markets, and championing our ESG objectives. ADIPEC offers an invaluable platform for Malaysian exporters to take bold strides toward future-proofing their positions in the industry," he added.

The Malaysia Pavilion at ADIPEC 2024 received an outstanding response from trade visitors, attracting significant attention and engagement. The delegation recorded over 2,000 business enquiries from countries, among others, UAE, Canada, China, India, Pakistan, Turkiye, Brazil and African countries. Several National Oil Companies (NOCs) from the MENA region, namely, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait indicated their strong interest in Malaysia’s innovative oil and gas products, technologies and solutions during the event.

Among the key highlights at ADIPEC 2024 was the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Malaysian OGSE companies and international partners, reflecting the industry's proactive adjustment to the global energy transition. These strategic collaborations will drive Malaysia’s expansion into emerging energy sectors such as hydrogen, offshore wind and solar power generation. By embracing these partnerships, Malaysian companies are not only supporting the nation’s decarbonisation goals but also positioning the OGSE industry as a regional leader in green technology innovation.

As global energy dynamics evolve and the focus on cleaner energy solutions intensifies, Malaysia’s OGSE sector is well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities. The discussions, agreements and technology offered at ADIPEC are expected to serve as catalyst for the industry’s continued growth and adaptation.

The World Future Energy Summit 2025 will continue to build the blueprint for a sustainable future. (Image source: WFES)

The Middle East’s role as a new global fuels hub, the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in energy industry transformation, and potential pathways to a sustainable and resilient future are a trio of critical issues to be explored when the World Future Energy Summit returns to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 14-16 January as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 (ADSW)

Hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s World Future Energy Summit – now globally recognised as the world’s premier business event focused on future energy and sustainability – will bring together pioneering energy sector minds, policy and decision-makers, and industry innovators to demonstrate, discuss and debate cutting-edge solutions and trends shaping a sustainable and resilient energy future.

The summit will explore broader regional trends, bringing together the global players who can help the UAE achieve its goal of increasing the proportion of clean energy in the country’s overall mix from its current level of 27.83% to 32% by 2030.

“Masdar’s pioneering and innovative track record as the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse provides demonstrable evidence of the UAE’s ambitious clean energy goals and the region’s growing prominence as a sustainability leader,” remarked Masdar CEO, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi. “As a founding host and longstanding supporter of the World Future Energy Summit, we look forward to working with global partners, leaders and innovators to enable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing climate challenges.”

“The World Future Energy Summit is not just another industry event—it’s the heart of innovation and collaboration for building a sustainable energy future at a critical juncture,” added Leen AlSebai, general manager of RX Middle East and head of the World Future Energy Summit. “Energy demands and landscapes are constantly evolving, and our 2025 edition will draw on key trends and learnings from 2024 to continue propelling the industry forward. As we chart a sustainable future, we’ll place special focus on the Middle East’s role in the future of fuels and a carbon-neutral approach to economic growth.”

Summit host, Masdar will emphasise the need for cross-sector collaboration to achieve global energy transition goals in support of the tripling of global renewable capacity set out in the UAE Consensus. The 2025 edition will spotlight how countries across the region and internationally are capitalising on emerging clean energy opportunities. It will feature exclusive sessions exploring the evolving strategies of regional and international energy companies as they lead the charge towards decarbonisation, spurred by commitments made at COP28 in the UAE.

Bridging global and regional clean energy agendas

The summit’s agenda will reflect the UAE’s ambitious clean energy goals and the region’s growing prominence as a sustainability leader. Dedicated conference streams will discuss landmark UAE projects and their contributions toward the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. The event will also highlight the Emirates’ rising stature in the global green hydrogen market, with recent reports ranking it first in hydrogen market readiness in the Middle East.

Faisal Rashid, senior director, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, will take part in a panel discussion on ‘Energy Efficiency: Balancing cost, incentives, and sustainability’, and sees the summit as a key enabler in promoting the UAE’s clean energy strategies. "My main objective is to leverage this international platform to promote energy efficiency and sustainability practices, share our expertise in energy strategy activation, and exchange knowledge with other professionals in the field,” said Rashid. “Participating in this event highlights our commitment to advancing the UAE's clean energy strategy and Net Zero targets. By collaborating with industry leaders and sharing best practices, we can strengthen our position as a key global hub for sustainable energy solutions, driving economic growth while promoting a healthier environment and a better quality of life for future generations."

The conference will also focus on AI and its role in transforming energy ecosystems, given the technology’s potential to optimise energy use, forecast demand, and enhance production efficiency as global consumption levels grow. In-depth discussions will probe how AI can be integrated into energy infrastructure without compromising sustainability efforts.

Elsewhere, participants will have access to six exhibition tracks covering solar energy, EcoWASTE, water, clean energy, smart cities, and climate & environment, while spotlighting regional leaders like Masdar.

Seven conference streams will support the exhibition, providing in-depth discussions on topics such as Pathways to 1.5°C, Water and Food Security, Sustainable Cities, Waste Management, and Green Finance. A dedicated focus on women in energy through initiatives like CLIX will also be under in the spotlight, as well as a deep dive into innovation and the role of entrepreneurs in tackling some of the most critical challenges of our time. The 2025 edition of the World Future Energy Summit will also explore the role of the Middle East in creating a new trade network for clean energy, with key initiatives across the region, featuring UAE-based companies such as ACWA Power, leading the way.

With more than 400 global companies and 350 industry speakers expected to take part, the World Future Energy Summit 2025 will serve as a nexus for investment, innovation and knowledge exchange across industries and is not one to be missed.

Visit the website to learn more by clicking here and register for the conference by clicking here

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