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Saudi Ministry of Energy and IEF Strengthen Cooperation on Clean Energy and the Circular Carbon Economy

"Agreement signed in the margins of IEF17 advances joint research, expert exchanges and regional energy and climate cooperation"

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 14 October 2026 - The Ministry of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the International Energy Forum (IEF) this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation on clean energy, climate change mitigation and Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) solutions.

The agreement was signed on the occasion of the 17th International Energy Forum Ministerial Meeting (IEF17) under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia, the IEF17 host country, and His Excellency Eng. Jassim Alshirawi, IEF Secretary General.

"The agreement builds on Saudi Arabia’s longstanding partnership with the IEF as host country and founding party to the IEF Charter. It provides a structured framework for sharing expertise and advancing sustainable energy solutions. The Kingdom’s leadership as Executive Board Chair provides a strong foundation as Italy assumes the chairmanship and prepares to host IEF18 in 2028

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud said: "Addressing global energy and climate challenges requires practical cooperation and solutions that recognize the different priorities and circumstances of countries. Saudi Arabia’s Circular Carbon Economy approach reflects this principle, bringing together a broad range of technologies and capabilities to reduce emissions while supporting energy security and economic growth. This agreement builds on our longstanding partnership with the IEF, strengthening cooperation through knowledge exchange, innovation, and the pursuit of practical solutions that deliver tangible benefits for countries and their economies."

Amid geopolitical tensions, disruptions to energy trade and pressure on investment, cooperation on emissions reduction must strengthen supply resilience and affordability. The agreement supports a practical, technology-neutral approach that recognizes different national circumstances and the need for investment and innovation across energy systems.

Cooperation will focus on four priority areas:

  • Promoting sustainable practices in clean energy and related technologies.
  • Climate change mitigation and implementation of the CCE policy and technology solutions.
  • Cooperation under the CCE Regional Collaboration Initiative.
  • International and regional climate-related outreach.

H.E. Eng. Jassim Alshirawi said: "The Kingdom's steadfast support has made Riyadh the global home of energy dialogue. This agreement gives a clearer framework for advancing our collaboration. By connecting the region’s journey towards greater energy sustainability and resilience with our global community of IEF governments and industry stakeholders, we can help turn shared climate and access goals into practical progress while keeping energy secure, affordable, and accessible for all." 

The IEF has supported the CCE since its endorsement by G20 Energy Ministers under Saudi Arabia's G20 Presidency in 2020. Through research and dialogue, including work for the CCE Regional Collaboration Initiative (CCERC) part of the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), it has advanced understanding of carbon management and the CCE’s four pillars: reduce, reuse, recycle, and remove.

Cooperation will further strengthen the IEF’s engagement with the CCERC Initiative and take forward dialogue and research findings including from the IEF report Empowering Sustainable Futures – MENA NDCs Climate Action. The recently released progress report on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is the first of its kind to provide a comprehensive regional perspective on climate action across the Middle East and North Africa.

The report, produced by the IEF in collaboration with the CCERC initiative, documents advances in clean energy, efficiency, carbon management and climate resilience. It highlights the importance of finance, technology, institutional capacity and reliable data in translating national commitments into measurable results.

Activities envisaged include information and expert exchanges, conferences and working sessions, and jointly prepared reports and studies. These provide practical channels to share experience, identify barriers to deployment and develop mutually agreed cooperation programs to connect partners and move projects forward.

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