World Green Economy Summit 2025 to highlight importance of accelerating adoption of clean and renewable energy globally

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) continues to strengthen its role as a leading global platform driving the transition to a green economy and advancing bold climate action. This aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and reflects the UAE’s commitment to adopt innovative solutions that support resource sustainability and economic growth.

Organised annually by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO), this year’s summit will take place under the theme ‘Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy’ on 1-2 October 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

“International data indicates accelerating growth in clean energy production capacity globally. This reflects a shift in priorities toward sustainable, low-emission energy sources, especially in light of increasing energy demand from data centres and artificial intelligence (AI), and the global pursuit of carbon neutrality. Through the World Green Economy Summit, which brings together decision-makers, thought leaders and global experts, we help to accelerate the adoption of clean and renewable energy by facilitating dialogue between the public and private sectors, financial institutions and international organisations in key areas such as clean energy, sustainable finance and green technology. This platform supports effective partnerships, stimulates innovation and shares best practices to achieve a sustainable future for us and generations to come,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD and CEO of DEWA and Chairman of WGEO.

Role of AI in energy transition

Commenting on the key role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the energy sector, Dr Amalia Pantazidis, President of Lummus Consultants International and one of the speakers at WGES 2025, said AI has the potential to transform every aspect of the energy transition.

“With AI, we can optimise the performance of key sectors of the energy value chain – including renewable power, refining and petrochemical production – to make complex, carbon-intensive industrial operations more sustainable. Predictive maintenance, real-time optimisation, smart forecasting and other digital tools are not just improving efficiency – they are making clean energy more reliable, economic and accessible. At Lummus, we are integrating AI and digital solutions to help our customers unlock new levels of energy efficiency, waste reduction, resilience and lower emissions,” said Dr Pantazidis.

Jessica Scopacasa, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Olive Gaea and one of the speakers at WGES 2025, said: “Climate urgency is rising, and action must follow. AI offers a powerful path to accelerate decarbonisation and make sustainability a true source of value – not just a reporting exercise. But we must build and use it ethically, transparently and with long-term impact in mind."

Stwart Peña Feliz, co-founder and CEO of MacroCycle Technologies, said: “Circularity can only be achieved by bringing together all the stakeholders across the value chain. This event is a monumental opportunity to engage in fruitful conversations to achieve an economical pathway towards true circularity.”

Green hydrogen

Green hydrogen also supports energy storage and cross-border transport, enhancing energy security and diversification. Seen as a new economic engine, green hydrogen has the potential to transform supply chains, industry and energy systems, offering strong export opportunities for producing countries. The UAE’s National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, launched in 2023, aims to establish the country as a regional production and export hub by 2031, targeting 1.4 million tonnes of annual production, including one million tonnes of green hydrogen. This will be achieved through investment promotion, infrastructure development, R&D and international partnerships.

Elie Adaimy Group Director Business Development, Technology & Innovation at Gulf Cryo Group and one of the speakers at WGES 2025, said: "Green hydrogen has captured global imagination – but imagination alone won’t decarbonise heavy industry or fuel our future. To move from MoUs to megawatts, and to start building a new energy economy, we must move from pilot projects to scalable deployment, with bold policy, bankable offtake agreements and regional co-operation, turning ambition into reality."

The role of critical minerals in energy transition

Minerals are vital to the manufacture of energy transition technologies such as batteries, wind turbines and solar panels. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that by 2040, lithium demand could increase over 40 times, while graphite, cobalt and nickel may grow 20-25 times, compared to 2020, and copper demand is expected to more than double. This shift highlights the need for sustainable supply chains that ensure responsible resource extraction. Green hydrogen also plays a key role in decarbonising emission-intensive sectors such as heavy industry and transport. As a zero-emission fuel produced via electrolysis from renewable sources, it is gaining traction among governments and global companies.

Energy storage

Another crucial aspect is energy storage, which ensures grid stability amid a growing reliance on intermittent sources such as solar and wind. The IEA’s net-zero emissions scenario shows global grid-scale storage capacity grew from 10 GW in 2020 to 28 GW in 2022, and is expected to reach 967 GW by 2030, driven by advances in battery technology, falling costs and smart grid development. Storage technologies enable renewable integration and improve energy access in remote areas, with lithium-ion and grid-scale batteries central to achieving net-zero goals.

WGES role

WGES facilitates strategic discussions among decision-makers, investors, academic institutions and international organisations. It highlights key pillars shaping the future energy landscape and drives the transition towards a more resilient, efficient and inclusive energy system. Guided by innovation and the principles of climate equity, resource sustainability and cross-sectoral integration, the summit serves as a global platform to promote climate action and unify efforts for a more sustainable future. It not only focuses on reducing emissions, but also supports comprehensive and inclusive development for current and future generations.