The gathering is bringing together energy industry stakeholders and connecting policy, people, technology and capital to accelerate the next phase of the energy transition and help create the energy system of the future

When more than 1,600 speakers have something to say at a gathering, one would hope words can cut through the noise and lead to some action. This is especially of significance for a world that is falling behind on its climate goals.

As the UAE hosts its premier Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (Adipec), it accepts the onus to drive a meaningful discussion on the uneasy relationship between energy production and climate change, and thus the theme: 'Decarbonising. Faster. Together’.

This year's Adipec takes place on October 2023 2-5 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) and is said to be the world’s largest and most inclusive gathering for the energy industry.

It is being hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), the state-owned oil company of the UAE and the world's 12th largest oil company by production, and patronised by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

The energy industry gathering is being held a month before another important global event, COP28, also hosted by the UAE in Dubai.

COP28 will be a pivotal moment for the energy transition. At the crossroads of North, South, East and West, it will provide a platform to engage in climate discussions and solutions for all energy industry stakeholders. Dialogue will focus on the transformational progress needed to produce the tangible results the world requires.

The UAE happens to be one of the first countries in the region to ratify the Paris Agreement, and has a net-zero goal by 2050.

Its updated Energy Strategy 2050 will see the country accelerate the energy transition and increase the share of clean energy in its energy mix to 32 per cent, triple the contribution of renewable energy, and achieve a grid emission factor of 0.27 kg Co2 per kWh, making the UAE one of the lowest emitters.

Additionally, a National Hydrogen Strategy will position the UAE as a leading producer and supplier of low carbon hydrogen by 2031.

The UAE also declared 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability’, under the theme, ‘Today for Tomorrow’.

These strategies and targets will bolster Adipec, which will, meanwhile, connect policy, people, technology and capital to accelerate the next phase of the energy transition; bringing together diverse energy industry stakeholders in a forum that will quicken industry action to decarbonise faster, future-proof sooner and create the energy system of the future, today.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT ADIPEC

Over four days of informed debate, exchanging knowledge, ideas and conducting business, Adipec will mobilise the experience, expertise and resources of a responsible energy industry to address the challenge of driving sustainable economic progress while holding back emissions.

The event is expected to attract over 160,000 attendees for its comprehensive conference and exhibition programme that will feature over 1,600 conference speakers across more than 350 sessions.

More than 2,220 companies from across the energy ecosystem will showcase their ideas, innovations and solutions that are shaping the future of energy. They will be spread across 16 exhibition halls at Adnec.

The exhibition will feature 54 NOCs, IOCs, NECs and IECs and 30 international exhibiting country pavilions.

Adipec will host four specialised industry areas: the Decarbonisation Zone, Maritime & Logistics Zone, Digitalisation in Energy Zone, and Manufacturing & Industrialisation Exhibition & Conference.

These dedicated zones will enable the industry to strengthen existing business partnerships and form new models of cross-sector collaboration to unlock and maximise value across businesses and drive future growth.

Overall, Adipec 2023 has expanded the regular zones, conferences and awards, including an expanded youth programme, expanded Strategic Hydrogen Conference, an enriched Maritime and Logistics Zone and Conference, and new Adipec Awards categories.

The event will be providing dedicated space for more voices including young people and women.

ACCELERATING DECARBONISATION

Brand new this year at Adipec is the Decarbonisation Accelerator, a dedicated area that enables organisations to showcase their game-changing projects and solutions driving decarbonisation at scale.

And within the Decarbonisation Accelerator, a Start-up Hub will host pioneering companies presenting groundbreaking technologies advancing the future of decarbonisation and accelerating energy progress.

In addition, the Decarbonisation Strategic Conference, hosted in the Decarbonisation Theatre, will address critical topics impacting the future of the industry, including the need for innovative policies, new investment, technology advancement, new energy sources, and the decarbonisation of heavy industries.

The Cross-Sector Co-Lab is another unique platform that supports immediate action towards decarbonisation.

The segment will spotlight partnerships, alliances and joint ventures advancing the world’s decarbonisation goals through an enabling ecosystem that connects policy, people, technology and capital.

Separately, the Hydrogen Strategic Conference will gather influential leaders in the energy ecosystem to discuss the role of hydrogen in global economies, the latest technological breakthroughs, near term and long-term strategies and the actions required to scale the hydrogen economies of the future.

Meanwhile, the dedicated Digitalisation in Energy Zone will offer a global showcase of existing and emerging technological solutions that can help the energy sector unlock untapped value and opportunities as digital technology becomes more deeply integrated into all aspects of operations.

The Zone will bring together disruptive businesses and leading technology companies from the entire digitalisation spectrum, together with top energy companies, to anticipate and identify the digital solutions required to ensure a decarbonised future, faster and together.

It is estimated that digitalisation could reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 15 per cent by 2030.

GOOD FOR BUSINESS

Adipec has proven to be an ideal business platform where companies convene for international collaboration, boosting bilateral trade and discussing innovations for a better energy future.

In 2022, Adipec generated $8.2 billion in estimated business for exhibiting companies.

CONCLUSION

Adipec 2023 is being held with a renewed and strengthened purpose to gather industry decision-makers, innovators and financiers to accelerate decarbonisation through innovation and collaboration.

In the words of Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, the organisers of Adipec: 'Every government, industry, business and individual has a role to play in decarbonising quicker and creating the future of energy faster while safeguarding energy security and ensuring nobody is left behind, as we create lower carbon pathways to a sustainable, higher growth future.'

By Abdulaziz Khattak