Kuwait City: Secretary General of the Arab Energy Organization (AEO), Jamal Al-Loughani, has emphasized the necessity of deploying all energy resources to meet the increasing global demand. Despite this, he maintained that new energy sources will not replace traditional resources.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Loughani highlighted the expected significant growth in electric power consumption by 2050, calling for new investments across all energy resources. He made these remarks while marking the release of AEO's first quarterly report on new and renewable energy, as well as climatic and energy changes for Q1, 2025.
Al-Loughani noted a noticeable global interest in renewable energy during Q1, 2025, although the scale of investments varied by region. China, for example, continued to expand its renewable energy sector to boost energy security and diversify production sources, while Egypt experienced record growth in solar energy output.
In contrast, the United States shelved planned investments in renewable energy due to uncertainties in sector taxation. Meanwhile, AEO member states continued to expand their renewable energy sectors through new policies and international collaboration, leveraging solar and wind energy resources.
Al-Loughani reported that worldwide renewable energy capacity reached approximately 4,448 megawatts by the end of 2024. He expressed the need for these capacities to grow by 16.6 percent annually to achieve the targets set at the COP 28 climate conference.
He further elaborated on the potential of transportation in clean hydrogen systems, especially for densely populated regions, emphasizing the competitiveness of hydrogen-powered vehicles contingent on cost reductions. Al-Loughani also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and cut emissions from conventional energy resources.
Discussing the energy future, Al-Loughani stressed the importance of sustainability, energy security, and cost-effectiveness. He acknowledged that energy priorities differ by country based on economic conditions and advocated for a transition to clean energy that considers economic and social justice.
Al-Loughani also addressed concerns over supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks due to the concentration of rare raw materials in certain countries, particularly noting China's dominance in rare minerals supply and treatment capabilities.
Regarding nuclear energy, Al-Loughani described it as a strategic option with significant opportunities and challenges, particularly in safety and waste management. Currently, 440 nuclear reactors operate in 32 states, generating 400 gigawatts and securing nine percent of global power output.
He urged Arab states to learn from international experiences that underscore the importance of clear policies, effective investments, and technological advancements in nuclear energy. Al-Loughani concluded by calling for collective measures to tackle climatic challenges, noting the forecasted rise in earth temperatures over the coming years.