Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, has inaugurated the 25th WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh, bringing together government officials, industry executives, investors and energy experts to discuss the future of global energy systems.

Held under the theme “Pathways to an Energy Future for All,” the congress runs through October 15, marking the first time Saudi Arabia has hosted the international event in its more than 90-year history. Discussions will focus on energy security, supply and demand, investment, technological innovation, sustainability and human capital development.

In his opening address, Prince Abdulaziz said the Kingdom would continue to overcome challenges, honour its commitments and pursue its long-term vision while maintaining its responsibility to future generations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s transformation in recent years and its determination to strengthen its energy and industrial capabilities.

The minister emphasised that recent regional and international developments had demonstrated the importance of energy security, particularly amid pressure on supply routes and threats to critical infrastructure.

He said Saudi Arabia had spent decades investing in the infrastructure and capabilities needed to withstand disruptions, including spare production capacity, storage facilities, alternative export routes, technology, domestic supply chains and workforce development.

Prince Abdulaziz described localisation as more than an economic objective, calling it a strategic capability that enables business continuity and faster recovery when international supply chains are disrupted.

He added that energy resilience should not be measured solely by production capacity, pipelines or electricity generation, but also by the ability to maintain infrastructure, repair damage, redirect supplies and recover from unexpected disruptions.

According to the minister, preparedness must be developed and sustained over time, with Saudi Arabia’s ability to withstand disruptions and restore operations supporting the reliability of international energy supplies and reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the global economy.

He stressed that an inclusive energy future cannot be achieved without energy security for all, adding that the transition of the energy sector and the reliability of supplies must progress together.

Saudi Arabia will continue investing in dependable oil and gas supplies while expanding renewable energy, strengthening electricity grids and storage capacity, developing gas infrastructure and advancing lower-emission technologies.

The Kingdom will also focus on domestic manufacturing, supply-chain resilience and human capital development.

Prince Abdulaziz reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to implementing the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 through continued investment in its energy system and industrial capabilities, while supporting the prosperity of its population and maintaining international partnerships.

Global cooperation and technology in focus

WPC Energy President Pedro Miras highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global energy systems through investment, innovation and technological development.

Miras said the world was advancing new technologies and energy solutions to strengthen global energy security, support economic stability and improve living standards, as rapidly evolving economies require stronger infrastructure and more sustainable energy systems.

He described energy security as fundamental to economic growth and social stability, stressing that a successful energy transformation requires sustained, long-term investment.

Miras also highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence, digitalisation, alternative fuels and carbon storage technologies in shaping the sector’s future. He called for greater international cooperation to advance shared objectives and establish a safe, reliable and sustainable energy future.

The congress programme features ministerial dialogues alongside strategic and technical sessions examining energy markets, investment opportunities, emerging technologies, carbon management, natural gas, critical minerals, digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

An accompanying exhibition covering approximately 50,000 square metres brings together countries and leading companies to showcase technologies, products and solutions across the energy industry.

Riyadh hosts wider international energy meetings

The congress coincides with the start of technical meetings for the 17th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM17) and the 11th Mission Innovation Ministerial (MI-11), hosted by Saudi Arabia from October 11 to 13 under the theme “Inspiring Transformations to Deliver Regional Transitions.”

The meetings form part of Energy Week in Riyadh, which includes a series of international gatherings focused on energy cooperation, innovation and the development of future energy systems.

The WPC Energy Congress is the flagship event of WPC Energy, an organisation founded in 1933 whose membership represents more than 60 countries.

It serves as an international platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and cooperation among governments, industry leaders, investors and technical experts.

Over the years, the congress has provided a forum for discussing developments across the energy sector and examining technologies, investment opportunities and policy approaches that could shape the industry’s future.

The 25th edition is supported by a broad range of Saudi and international partners.

Saudi Aramco serves as Energy and Innovation Partner, while the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) is the National Partner.

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) and Saudi Energy are National Energy Leaders, and Saudi National Bank is the Financial Partner.

The gathering underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to strengthen its position in global energy discussions while promoting investment, technological innovation and international collaboration to address the sector’s evolving challenges. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service