2nd IEF-EU Energy Day

Dr Sun Xiansheng opened the 2nd IEF-EU Energy Day on Efficient and Sustainable Resource Management in the Circular Economy that the IEF co-hosted with the European Union on 13 February 2018. Ms Véronique Hyeulle, Senior Adviser Global Sustainable Development of the European Commission Directorate General Environment, presented on the European Union Circular Economy Strategy.

Dr Mustapha Taoumi, Clean Energy Technology Expert of the EU-GCC Clean Energy Technology Network, and Mr Amer Alrajiba, Deputy Sector Head, Energy, Industry & Minerals Sectoral Development Affairs of the Ministry of Economy and Planning moderated two panel discussions. One panel explored energy efficiency and waste management and the other discussed circular economy challenges and opportunities for the private sector. Both sessions invited interventions from high-level European Union and Saudi Arabian government and industry representatives.

Discussants focussed attention on how waste can be used as a resource in policy, industry practices, and product design in Europe and the Middle East. Debate also ensued on the outcomes of the discussion on energy efficiency and renewable energy at the 1st IEF-EU Energy Day. Topics included power to gas conversion, carbon capture use and storage options in the redesign of energy, and other supply chains in a circular economy.  Delegates also noted that energy efficiency, resource productivity, and waste management gains go hand in hand when adequate investment conditions, including generating greater public acceptance, are provided in the policy and business environment. Waste heat recovery and cement industry intake of secondary fuels are first wins in economies that seek to place their resource management on a more productive and sustainable footing. 

Outcomes of this collaborative effort will help to consolidate cooperation with institutional and industry stakeholders and further inform the IEF Energy Dialogue at the 16th International Energy Forum Ministerial hosted by India in New Delhi on 10-12 April 2018, as well as other upcoming ministerial events and dialogue meetings.

Welcome and Opening Remarks

• HE Sun Xiansheng, Secretary General, International Energy Forum
• Lucie Berger, Head of Trade Section, European Union Delegation Saudi Arabia

Introduction to the EU circular economy strategy and its benefits (EU)

• Véronique Hyeulle, Senior Adviser Global Sustainable Development, European Commission, Directorate General, Environment

Panel Session 1: Energy efficiency, and waste management in Europe, Saudi Arabia, and Middle East: Policy, industry practices, and product design

Moderated by Mustapha Taoumi, Clean Energy Technology Expert, EU-GCC Clean Energy Technology Network

• Naif Al Ragass, Director General Assistant for Technical Affairs, Saudi Energy Efficiency Centre
• Rovena Preka, Project Manager and Researcher, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development)
• Emmanuel Katrakis, Secretary-General of the European Recycling Industries' Confederation
• Herman Huisman, Senior Expert for International Cooperation Ministry for infrastructure and Water, Netherlands

Panel Session 2: Circular economy challenges and opportunities for the private sector and SMEs

Moderated by Amer Alrajiba, Deputy Sector Head, Energy, Industry & Minerals Sectoral Development Affairs Ministry of Economy and Planning

• Hamid Al-Harthi, Sustainability Senior Manager, SABIC
• Luis Bertrán Rafecas, Secretary General, International Gas Union IGU
• Vincent Pirot, Anglo Belgian Corporation
• Concluding Remarks - Lucie Berger, Head of Trade Section, European Union Delegation Saudi Arabia

Key Links

• EU Circular Economy Strategy

Previous IEF-EU Energy Days

• 1st IEF-EU Energy Day
  14 February 2017, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia