Energy Transition in the Middle East: Insights from Dr. Syham Bentouati

Since the start of the last decade, countries in Middle East have started to embrace renewable energy as an alternative source of energy. This is prevalent in the continuous investments that major countries have committed and implemented in the last few years.

To give more information on the overall Energy Transition journey in the Middle East, we requested our partner for Oman Dr. Syham Bentouati to answer some key questions about this subject.

(This interview was first published on TechnologyCatalogue.com. Click the full interview here.)

Dr. Syham is the Managing Director of NAFAS International LLC, a consulting company active in the MENA region covering various fields with special interest in sustainability, innovative technologies, business consultancy and In-Country Value. Prior to founding NAFAS in 2015, she worked for Rolls-Royce for seven years and nine years at Petroleum Development Oman.

How does the global movement towards energy transition affect oil-producing countries in the Middle East?

So far, the global movement towards energy transition does not seem to affect oil producing countries that much. In fact, many of them are taking part in that transition. Some of the most ambitious targets and the biggest projects are from or in the region.

If I take Oman as an example, Oman’s Vision 2040 includes targets for percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix and right now the government is working on policies to support improving energy efficiency across the Sultanate. A large number of renewable energy projects are in the pipeline with some already commissioned or about to. The socio-economic impact is very clear to both the government and the general public.

There is also the fact that producing energy from renewable energy makes economic sense since it will free natural gas (cleaner than oil) for export or other usage.

What is the overall trend for energy companies/major oil producers in the region in terms of adapting to the global call for energy transition? How do you think they are positioning themselves in the new energy market?

Most energy companies/major oil and gas producers have great targets with respect to renewable energy and energy efficiency. For example, the main oil and gas producer Petroleum Development Oman will now become part of a bigger company called “Energy Development Oman”, which will include energy efficiency and renewable energy related development.

Another example is OQ, another big energy company that has a very large Renewables section. And that trend continues with other companies at differing levels depending on their sizes, strategies, etc.

So, it is fair to say that the energy companies/major producers see the energy transition as an opportunity rather than a threat

Read the full interview here.