Future Energy Insights

In Conversation with Robin Mills: The Future of Green Steel

Decarbonising heavy industry is one of the biggest challenges in the transition to a low-carbon economy, with steel at the heart of it. In this episode, Robin Mills welcomes Dr. Dimitrios Dimitriou, Senior Vice President for ESG and Sustainability at EMSTEEL, to explore what it will take to move green steel from pilot projects to a scalable commercial market. They discuss the lack of a universal definition of green steel, and how fragmented standards, certification and carbon accounting create challenges for buyers, investors and lenders. Dimitriou explains why the biggest barrier is increasingly not technology, but bankability, and what is needed to create the demand signals and market structures required to scale investment in low-carbon steel. The conversation explores the portfolio of technologies needed to decarbonise steel, including hydrogen, carbon capture, renewable electricity, electrification, recycling and energy efficiency. They also examine the role of carbon pricing and regulation, and why low-carbon steel will need to become a competitive proposition rather than relying on a premium alone. Looking beyond steel, they discuss industrial clusters connecting clean energy, hydrogen, carbon capture, infrastructure, finance and demand, and the importance of international collaboration in building a new low-carbon industrial economy. Looking towards 2035, they consider a future where carbon becomes a standard attribute of steel, alongside quality, performance and price. Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

• Transcript

Grid vs. GPU: AI, Clean Power, and The Fight for Processing Speed

The world has entered an era where two forces - artificial intelligence and the global energy transition - are accelerating faster than our systems can keep up. AI is reshaping industries, straining power grids, and redefining what nations need to stay competitive. At the same time, clean‑energy deployment is surging, but it depends on a technology we don’t talk about enough: processing power. Semiconductors have quietly become the backbone of everything from data‑centre efficiency to grid optimisation to the next generation of electric vehicles. Speakers: Chinmoy Baruah, CEO, ChipX Robert Jones, Partner, B2BConnect (Moderator) Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

In Conversation with Robin Mills: The (Artificial) Intelligence Behind Energy

AI is moving beyond the digital world and into the physical industries that power the global economy. In this episode, Robin Mills welcomes Saravan Penubarthi Chief Technology Officer at AIQ, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the energy sector, from improving efficiency and production to enhancing safety, sustainability and decision-making. They discuss the growing relationship between AI and energy, and why the future will depend on both “energy for AI” and “AI for energy”. Sarvan explains how AIQ is applying different forms of AI across the energy value chain, combining advanced analytics with physics-based models and industry expertise to turn vast amounts of data into actionable insights. The conversation also explores what it means for energy companies to become truly AI-native, including the need to rethink business processes, manage organisational change and upskill employees. They examine the balance between assisted and autonomous AI, the importance of keeping humans in the loop for critical decisions, and how AI can shift employees away from routine analysis towards higher-value strategic decision-making. As AI itself drives growing demand for electricity, they consider the technology’s energy and emissions footprint, and how cleaner power, more efficient hardware and smarter AI architectures could help address this challenge. Looking towards 2035, they discuss how AI could become an integral part of the energy workforce, business processes and decision-making, and why the energy companies that successfully embed AI may be best positioned for the next phase of transformation. Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

• Transcript

In Conversation with Robin Mills: The Economics of Renewables

Electricity demand is entering a new era, driven by electrification, AI, population growth and the rapid expansion of new technologies. In this episode, Robin Mills speaks with Mazin Khan, CFO of Masdar, about how the global energy landscape is changing and what this means for the future of renewable energy from an economic and business perspective. They explore why solar, wind and battery storage are becoming increasingly competitive, how falling costs and improving technology are enabling renewables to meet demand around the clock, and the role of energy security and price certainty in accelerating the transition. Mazin also discusses Masdar’s global growth and its ambition to reach 100 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. The conversation examines what is unlocking renewable investment in emerging markets, including the importance of regulation, long-term offtake agreements and project bankability, as well as how scale, supply chains and financing are shaping competition in mature markets. They also look ahead to the next decade of battery innovation and why rising electricity demand, technological progress and falling costs could create significant new opportunities for renewable energy. Ahead of the World Future Energy Summit, the episode offers a timely look at the forces reshaping global power markets and the scale of investment and innovation needed to meet the world's growing demand for electricity. Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com. Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

• Transcript

In Conversation with Robin Mills: The New Sustainability Opportunity

The New Sustainability Opportunity: From Commitment to Commercial Value Sustainability is entering a new phase, one where environmental ambition must go hand in hand with economic value, innovation and long-term business strategy. In this episode, Robin Mills welcomes Ibrahim Al Zu'bi, Chief Sustainability and ESG Officer at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), to explore how sustainability can move beyond compliance and become embedded in the way businesses operate, invest and grow. They discuss decarbonisation, AI and technology, human capital, local supply chains and energy diversification, as well as the importance of long-term investment in building more adaptable businesses and economies. They also examine why sustainability priorities differ across markets, the role of leadership in keeping them on the agenda, and how collaboration can accelerate practical solutions. Ahead of the World Future Energy Summit, they highlight the need for such global platforms that bring together businesses, innovators and decision-makers, and how they are increasingly crucial to sharing ideas, discovering technologies and shaping the future of the energy sector. Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

• Transcript

In Conversation with Robin Mills: The New Energy Opportunity

The energy transition is moving beyond deployment to a new phase of transformation, creating opportunities across technology, investment and infrastructure. In this episode, Robin Mills welcomes James Allan, Head of Energy, Economics and Climate at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi, to explore what it will take to scale the next generation of clean energy solutions and turn ambition into commercial opportunity. They discuss the falling cost of renewables, electrification, critical mineral supply chains, carbon capture and AI, as well as the growing potential for UK–UAE collaboration. As businesses look to turn the energy transition into growth, they examine where new markets, technologies and investment opportunities are emerging, and what companies need to do to position themselves for what comes next. Ahead of the World Future Energy Summit, they also consider how collaboration, innovation and investment can accelerate the transition and shape the opportunities of the future energy economy. Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

• Transcript

In Conversation with Robin Mills: The New Energy Equation

The New Energy Equation: Security, Sustainability and Resilience As countries race to decarbonise while meeting growing energy demand, energy security has become a strategic priority. In this episode, Robin Mills welcomes Amena Bakr for an insightful discussion on how recent global events have reinforced the need for more diversified and resilient energy systems. Together, they examine the delicate balance between security, affordability and sustainability, the importance of energy diversity across technologies and resources, and how collaboration across borders can strengthen resilience. Ahead of the World Future Energy Summit, they also share their perspectives on the trends, challenges and opportunities that will define the next chapter of the global energy transition. Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

• Transcript

Digitalisation: Inside the New Era of Grid Planning

As power grids grow more complex, operators need tools that can simulate faster, plan with greater precision, and anticipate stress before it hits. Digital twins are emerging as one of the most powerful ways to model system behaviour in real time and test future scenarios. In this episode, we explore where digital twins can make the biggest immediate impact on grid planning and operations, how far digitalisation can realistically take us without deeper infrastructure upgrades, and whether data quality, system integration, or legacy assets remain the toughest barrier to scaling their use. Speakers: Lubo Minchev, CEO, Telelink Infra Robert Jones, Partner, B2BConnect (Moderator) Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

Hydrogen: From Hype to Clean Energy Business

Hydrogen is becoming a critical pillar of the clean energy transition, but scaling it demands both technological progress and innovative financing. In this episode, two experts explore what it will take to build a competitive hydrogen economy, from production targets and cost‑competitiveness to the bankable offtake agreements needed for viable projects. They also explore long‑term contracts and financing structures designed to unlock capital for high‑capex projects. Speakers: Alicia Eastman, Managing Director, APC Investors Santosh Raikar, Managing Partner, Silverpeak Robert Jones, Partner, B2BConnect (Moderator) Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

How CEPA is Rewiring UAE–Australia Energy Ties

The UAE-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has entered a new phase - one that puts renewable energy at the centre of bilateral cooperation. In this episode, we explore how this expansion could unlock new investment and technology exchange, and what it could mean for long‑term energy security. We discuss where CEPA can create immediate shared value across clean‑energy supply chains, the regulatory and certification hurdles that need to be solved, and the opportunities emerging in Australia for UAE companies looking to establish a foothold in its evolving energy market. Speakers: Trevor Ducharme, President, Global CMX Robert Jones, Partner, B2BConnect (Moderator) Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

The New Power Loads Reshaping the Energy Grid

Rapid population growth, economic diversification, and data intensive technologies are driving unprecedented electricity demand across the region. Utilities are being asked to connect loads that would have been unimaginable a decade ago, due to data centres, industrial clusters, and hydrogen production. Integrating these demands safely and quickly is becoming one of the defining challenges for planners and regulators. Joining us to explore what it takes to prepare the grid for this new scale of demand is Danny Touma, Partner, PwC Middle East. Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

Investing for Decarbonisation - From Transition Finance to Funding the Blue Economy

In this episode, we focus on how finance can accelerate real‑world climate solutions. The episode opens with transition finance, examining how credible capital frameworks can support hard‑to‑abate sectors and drive decarbonisation across an economy. The conversation then shifts to the blue economy, exploring investment in early‑stage companies developing ocean‑focused technologies, services and products. Together, the discussions highlight where capital is moving, what credibility requires, and how innovation is being funded at the frontiers of climate action. Speakers: Vanessa Havard Williams, OBE, Chair of the UK's Transition Finance Market Review Jerome Ternynck, Co-Founder, Rypples Robert Jones, Partner, B2BConnect (Moderator) Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

Mobile EV Charging: Solving the Fleet Infrastructure Gap

SAVVY Charging Technologies' CEO and Founder Muhammad Jamal explains how on-demand mobile charging helps fleet operators cut infrastructure costs while accelerating EV adoption. Speakers: Muhammad Jamal, CEO and Founder, SAVVY Charging Technologies Robert Jones, Partner, B2B Connect (Moderator) Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

Advancing CCUS: Innovation and Market Viability

Carbon capture and storage is considered essential for its contribution to climate stabilisation. Its success hinges on investment into scalable CCS technologies, clear regulations, and greater commitment of the government and private industry. Often flagged for being too expensive, in this episode, we explore the latest advancements of CCS, efforts to scale its use, and discuss some of the projects that are underway. Speakers: Siddharth Jain, Field Development Manager, Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC) Robert Jones, Partner, B2B Connect (Moderator) Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

Reimagining urban mobility: Advanced Air Mobility, eVTOLs and the future of transport

Advanced air mobility is emerging as a potentially transformative mode of transport. Electric vehicle, take-off, and landing aircraft or eVTOLs are capturing public imagination. If pilot projects prove reliable, we stand at the beginning of a revolution in how people move within and between cities. This episode examines the evolution of technologies, regulatory frameworks, and the infrastructure that would determine eVTOL rollout. We discuss how eVTOLs can integrate with existing transport networks, the infra required, and the urban planning choices that will shape where and how they fly. Will eVTOLs be an urban mobility revolution that transforms city travel or a set of expensive, high-profile pilot projects that ultimately fail to take off? Speakers: Gary Newman, Aviation Consultant, Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport Daniel O’Neill, General Manager – Middle East, Skyports Robert Jones, Partner, B2B Connect (Moderator) Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

Scaling CleanTech from idea to impact

CleanTech breakthroughs can shine at the prototype stage, but stall before reaching full-scale deployment. The reasons vary - it's a poor market fit, adopts the wrong business model, is too complex to scale, supply chain challenges, or regulations. This episode explores what it takes to move from a promising pilot to real-world impact, and how entrepreneurs, governments, and investors can work together to make it happen. Speakers: Mohamed Haythem Riahi, Co-founder and CEO at Circa BioTech Mohammed Omar Khan, Principal, Oraseya Capital Robert Jones, Partner, B2B Connect Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

Intelligent Energy - How AI is Redefining Global Energy Systems

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the energy sector, from predictive maintenance in power grids to optimizing renewable energy sources and improving efficiency in energy consumption. In this episode, we look at the cutting-edge ways AI is shaping the future of energy infrastructure and management, exploring the opportunities and challenges that come with it. Join our speakers as they take a deep dive into the use of AI in the energy sector and on the grid. Speakers: Kartik Balasubramaniam, Vice President, Development – Engineering, Technical and Operational Excellence, Generation at TAQA Nawel Mahmoudi, Co-Founder and CEO at ValueGrid Mohammed Ali Khan, Senior Vice President at AIQ Robert Jones, Partner, B2BConnect (Moderator) Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

The Energy Evolution of Data Centres

The rapid expansion of data centres is fuelling an urgent need for sustainable energy solutions. As demand for cloud computing and AI accelerates, investors, developers, operators, hyperscalers, and end users must find ways to minimise carbon footprints while ensuring reliable, efficient power. But what are the most viable pathways forward? This podcast will investigate the energy landscape shaping the future of data centres, discussing the low-carbon pathways being taken. It will look at the growing importance of clean energy use for data centres, ask what energy types will be needed to ensure efficient supply, if carbon offsets are required to efficiently meet energy demands, and the potential technologies that will become more important with the rise of AI, providing a pathway to balancing sustainability and resilience in a power-hungry digital era. Guests Michel Abi Saab, General Manager, Emerge Sujit Nair, Director of Product, Moro Hub Rob Jones, Partner, B2BConnect (Moderator) Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

How Grid-Scale Storage is Revolutionising Clean Energy Growth

Grid-scale energy storage systems such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are revolutionising the clean energy landscape. As renewable energy sources continue to expand, their intermittency is a challenge for grid stability. BESS mitigates this by storing excess energy to balance supply and demand and enhance energy resilience. Advanced storage systems are accelerating the transition to a low carbon future, and playing a crucial role in improving grid efficiency. This episode will discuss advancements in battery technology that are making large-scale long duration energy storage more cost-effective and efficient. It also looks at investments being made by governments and the private sector, and explores how these systems can transform energy markets. Guests Bruce Smith, Executive Director, Strategy and Planning, Emirates Water & Electricity Company Robert Jones, Partner, B2BConnect (Moderator) Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.

The Future of Waste Management in a Circular, Zero Landfill World

As the global shift towards a circular economy accelerates, the waste management industry faces a defining challenge: how does it eliminate landfill reliance while ensuring sustainable, efficient solutions? Governments and major private-sector players are pushing for repair, recycle, and reuse - but when end of its life is unavoidable, how should waste be handled? Waste-to-energy is a viable alternative, becoming an important pillar for managing municipal waste sustainably. By converting discarded materials into usable power and minimising the volume that ends up in landfills, this approach helps reduce environmental impact, supports energy diversification, and contributes to a cleaner future. It comes with some complexities, from feedstock calculations to the economic trade-offs of incineration for electricity versus landfill disposal. However, waste-to-energy continues to prove its potential as a key component of a sustainable waste management strategy, offering a pathway towards a future where waste is no longer a burden but a resource. Featuring waste experts Tim Clarke, CEO of Warsan Waste Management Company, and Daker El Rabaya, CEO, Waste Processing, Treatment & Disposal at BEEAH. Moderated by Rob Jones, Partner at B2B Connect. Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @worldfutureenergysummit and visit our website www.worldfutureenergysummit.com.