ME 101 Session 5: Renewable Energy Sources: Pre-empting a Sunset Oil Industry

Throughout history, the Middle East has been at the forefront of global change, engaging with the West through crusades, wars, colonialism, and terrorism. Beyond these familiar narratives lies a region undergoing profound economic transformation, cultural evolution, and facing pressing environmental challenges. This lecture series will examine these key aspects and drivers of change, with an emphasis on how these transformations impact regional stability and present significant economic opportunities, particularly for Singapore’s strategic interests. This year, we are excited to introduce a new format for the ME 101 series in collaboration with the SUSS DBA Alumni Graduate Student Community (DBAC) and the SUSS School of Business. The series is specifically designed for top business leaders and professionals who are interested in exploring the economic potential that the Middle East holds.                                                                              .          .          .          .          . Session 5: With an eye on a future beyond oil, the Gulf countries are marching ahead with an ambitious domestic transition to renewable energy. From investing in renewables, nuclear, hydrogen, electric vehicles, and carbon capture to climate diplomacy, and hosting world’s major international climate meetings such as COP 28 in the UAE), Gulf countries  aspire to secure their position as leaders in both clean energy, as well as transition the oil and gas industry in the evolving energy landscape. This lecture delves into ambitious plans to become global leaders in the new energy industry. It will explore the motives driving the Gulf states’ renewable energy transition, examine the diverse  strategies employed to “transition away from fossil fuels”, and examine the implications of these strategies on the global energy outlook.