The current shift and emphasis on innovation and sustainability highlighted the worldwide need for cleaner sources of energy, stimulating and accelerating the transition towards renewables on a global scale. Together with the recent drop in oil prices and the necessities of a post-pandemic recovery, such trend held important implications for the MENA region. As a matter of fact, due to their geographical location and abundant fossil fuel reserves, the MENA countries have traditionally covered a leading role in the development of the global energy sector, and they are currently showing a significant potential in the field of renewables, in particular green hydrogen, and solar power systems. Leveraging on these new sources of energy will be crucial to enhance the cooperation between the shores of the Mediterranean, to ensure new investments in the region and to foster a steady, sustainable, and coordinated economic recovery. 

What will be the major economic, social, and environmental impacts of the energy transition in the MENA region?  

How to unlock the region’s huge potential in the field of renewables?  

How to foster cooperation between the EU and the MENA region?  

Can the EU Green Deal help to accelerate the energy transition in the Southern shore of the Mediterranean?

Opening Remarks

Kadri Simson, Commissioner for Energy, European Commission

Francesco La Camera, Director General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Panel Discussion

Michele Crisostomo, Chairman, ENEL, Italy

Tarik Hamane, Executive Director and Head of Development, Agency for Solar Energy (MASEN), Morocco

Obaid Amrane, Chief Executive Ofcer, Ithmar Capital, Morocco

Moderators:
Marilisa Palumbo, Corriere della Sera
Georg Zachmann, Senior Fellow, Bruegel, Belgium