Two important regional events in the global downstream industry will be held back-to-back in Bahrain in January.
They will emphasise collaboration as a key parameter in achieving energy security to reducing the carbon footprint of operations.
The Energy and Sustainability Forum (ESF MENA 2023) will focus on energy transition and decarbonisation. It will be held from January 22 to 24, at Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Bahrain.
Separately,  the Middle East Bottom of the Barrel and Catalyst Technology Conference (BBTC MENA 2023) from January 25 to 26 at the same venue will focus on residue upgrading solutions and catalysts in Bahrain. 
The second edition of ESF MENA will analyse the pressing industry questions relating to the decarbonisation of the downstream sector in the region and showcase industry case studies, panel discussions, technology solutions and trends.
David Edmondson, CEO, Neom Green Hydrogen Company, will deliver a keynote address on building a $5-billion world-scale green hydrogen-based ammonia production facility powered by renewable energy.
Other key topics include decarbonisation pathways and transition strategies, building blocks for a low-carbon future, decarbonising installed refinery assets, transition to a circular economy, green and blue hydrogen technologies and projects, and carbon capture utilisation and storage.
ESF MENA 2023 will be accompanied by a pre-conference seminar hosted by Honeywell UOP and focusing on 'A Path Towards Carbon Neutrality: Innovations for the Refining and Chemicals Industry'.
Meanwhile, the 9th edition of BBTC MENA will address the challenges faced Mena region refiners, the latest technology solutions to maintain high productivity, competitiveness, resilience, and profitability through upgrading heavier lower value components.
The event will address a number of topics such as residue upgrading, investing in capital-intensive BoB projects, profitable conver-sion routes and other field related topics.
BBTC MENA attendees will hear from regional producers: Bapco, Aramco, KIPIC and Satorp; and leading solution pro-viders; Albemarle, ART Hydroprocessing, ART-Envi, Axens, Becht, Bechtel, CALGAVIN, Chevron Lummus Global, Crystaphase, Daily Thermetrics, Hoover CS, Shell & AMG Recycling, Topsoe and Tubacex.