DUBAI: A panel of ministers and experts gathered at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh on Sunday to discuss the road map for tripling renewables by 2030.

The UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al-Mazrouei said his country’s goal would not only be reached but possibly exceeded by 2030.

“The UAE has been offering solar power to aid the world in reaching the goal of tripling renewables,” he said. “We have very few years until 2030, we need to work alongside and encourage countries to make the achievement by then.”

Li Zhenguo, president of Longi Green Energy Technology, said the Chinese government had been at the forefront of efforts to develop renewables.

“In 2023, China installed 216 solar power plants, which is more than 50 percent of the global capability,” he said.

“Solving sustainability problems requires technology and China has contributed greatly by increasing technical progress and making the cheapest energy available to the world.”

Marco Arcelli, CEO of Saudi-based ACWA Power, said he was surprised by the momentum in the region.

“Saudi and UAE have the most ambitious decarbs programs in the world. There is a speed and dimension you don’t see much elsewhere,” he said.

“There is leadership with a vision, there is cheap energy available and I believe you will start seeing greenshoring in the Kingdom by 2030. Lots of upcoming projects in the country, be it NEOM or others, will be solar driven and using renewable energy.”

Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Salem Alhajraf said there was a need to increase global production capacity.

“Innovative financing is key,” he said. “We need to move from small giga-sized projects to deploying renewables. Cities or towns with small populations can possibly have all their needs met by solar power.”

Stephanie Jamison, global Resources Industry Practices chair at Accenture, said her company had been developing guidelines for community engagement and nature transition.

“By conducting surveys and interviewing various CEOs, it has become clear that companies understand the impact they are making on nature. And so, partnerships between companies and proactive partnerships between companies and the community is one way to tackle challenges.”

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is on track to host the 28th World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies’ World Investment Conference from Nov. 25 to 27 in Riyadh.

The forum themed “Future-ready IPAs: Navigating digital disruption and sustainable growth,” will bring together leaders from investment promotion agencies, corporates, multilateral institutions, and other stakeholders to discuss global financial trends and opportunities, according to a statement. 

The Kingdom’s selection as a host underscores its position as an international funding hub, according to Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih. 

“We are honored to be welcoming the global investment community to Saudi Arabia. Our strategic location at the crossroads of three continents, coupled with our world-class investment ecosystem and long-term political and economic stability, has seen the Kingdom develop into a global investment hub,” Al-Falih said.

“The World Investment Conference will serve as a platform to showcase our nation’s potential and forge partnerships that will shape the global investment landscape for years to come,” the minister added. 

On WAIPA’s behalf, Executive Director and CEO Ismail Ersahin said: “WAIPA is honored that the 28th WAIPA World Investment Conference will be held in Riyadh, a city with a rich history and culture.”

Ersahin added: “With each edition, the WIC reaffirms its status as a guiding force for sustainable and inclusive development.” 

He went on to stress how the conference is poised to be an impactful gathering aimed at the future readiness of IPAs. 

Since 1995, the annual gathering has provided a forum for stakeholders to exchange insights and best practices and forge partnerships that drive economic development globally.