MENA Europe Future Energy Dialogue (MEFED)
Under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the MEFED conference has provided a forum for high-level exchange between the MENA region and the European Union. MEFED aims at boosting the transition to a more sustainable, reliable, and affordable supply of energy in both regions. The hosts were the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the German Federal Government.
MEFED was held as an exclusive, in-person event and provided ample opportunities for bilateral Government-to-Government (G2G) and Business-to-Government (B2G) meetings and side events.
The conference took place at the King Hussein bin Talal Convention Centre on the Dead Sea, and brought together high-level government representatives, energy stakeholders and policy makers in a leading exchange forum to discuss and improvise innovative solutions for a sustainable, reliable, and affordable future energy system.
The conference featured a number of renowned speakers, including His Excellency Dr Saleh A. Al-Kharabsheh, the Jordanian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, His Excellency Dr Robert Habeck, the German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, the Emirati Minister of Energy, among many other prominent figures who shared their inputs during the conference.
A number of key topics were discussed during the conference:
Green hydrogen
Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced from the process of splitting water molecules by utilizing renewable energy. Green hydrogen is considered one of the most promising fuels of the future owing to its net zero carbon footprint and its potential applications in various sectors which are difficult to decarbonize.
System integration and expansion of renewable energy
Revamping and modernizing the current electrical system is a crucial step to accommodate the rising share of renewable energy used for electricity generation.
Energy efficiency and demand side management
Smart managing the consumption of energy is one of the key prerequisites for a more efficient energy sector. Demand side management integrates suitable measures to influence the use of energy in a way which aims to improve the flexibility of the grid and support its stability.
Regional linkages for a sustainable future
Substantial benefits will be achieved by establishing a network of regional interconnections between neighboring countries. Electrical linkages will foster economic relations in the MENA region and help shield vulnerable locations from future electricity supply shocks.
Co-operation and trade between the MENA region and Europe in the energy sector
In order to oversee an inclusive energy transition for Europe and the MENA region, work must be conducted proactively with relevant institutions in establishing broad energy deals to enable all countries to realize mutual benefits.