Former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ali bin Ibrahim Al Nuaimi, speaking at the Forum of Energy Elders held at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel, yesterday. Pic: Kammutty VP/The Peninsula
Despite the rapid growth of solar and other renewable forms of energy in the world, fossil fuels (which include oil, gas and coal) will continue to retain their major share in the global energy mix for long, said Ali bin Ibrahim Al Nuaimi, the former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources in Saudi Arabia.
Al Nuaimi in his keynote address yesterday at the ‘Abdullah Al Attiya International Foundation Energy Elders Forum' also highlighted the significance of the solar and other renewable forms of energy and the pressing need for investment in innovative technology.
“All this time, the planet has run quite effectively on solar power. It is the only reason we are all here today. It is constant, reliable, and free. Our energy quest today is to utilise solar, and other renewable forms of energy”, said Al Nuaimi, who remained at the helm for over two decades advancing the country’s energy industry.
He added: “I have no doubt fossil fuels will retain a vital place, but all forms of energy will be required as we go forward. I’ve seen tremendous progress in my lifetime. And I know all the elders and others here today will agree. But of course much more hard work is needed.”
Commenting on future energy trends and key challenges facing the the industry, he said that the industry is facing two main challenges, first, there is a real need for investment in new technology, and the second is to ensure the utilisation of investment in an effective and productive manner.
Al Nuaimi, who is now involved with the King Abdullah University of Science & Technology, said that the brightest and the best young men and women from around the world, are all working hard on the energy challenges of today and tomorrow. Applying their knowledge, looking at new technology and developing solutions.
Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiya, the Chairman of the ‘Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiya International Foundation for Energy & Sustainable Development, who was also the host of the ‘Forum of Energy Elders’, in his welcome note thanked the guests and organisers of the event.
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