Clean energy conference highlights urgency of climate action, carbon neutrality goals
Participants at the third annual conference on the occasion of ‘World Clean Energy Day’, organized by the Kuwait Society of Engineers under the theme “The Role of Clean Energy in Achieving Carbon Neutrality Strategies,” underscored the need to intensify national and international efforts to address climate change and accelerate the transition toward sustainability.
The event brought together officials, diplomats, and local and international experts, with broad participation from government institutions, the private sector and civil society, reports Al-Rai daily.
Held in line with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, the conference was seen as supporting Kuwait’s vision to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix over the coming decades.
Participants described the conference as an important platform for exchanging expertise and learning from successful international experiences, contributing to Kuwait’s transition to a low-carbon economy and helping achieve national clean energy objectives.
Clean Energy as Strategic Opportunity
In her address as patron of the conference, European Union Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Anne Koistinen said the shift to clean energy is no longer solely an environmental option but a strategic opportunity to strengthen economic resilience, enhance energy security and build effective international partnerships.
She highlighted the EU’s commitment to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 through ambitious initiatives, most notably the European Green Deal.
She added that Kuwait’s 2060 carbon neutrality target aligns closely with EU priorities, particularly in modern legislation, governance and innovative technologies such as energy storage and green hydrogen.
Professional and Institutional Roles
Head of the Kuwait Society of Engineers Mohammed Al-Subaie described the conference as a scientific and professional platform bringing together regional and international expertise to address one of the most critical issues of the future.
He emphasized that the transition to clean energy is a shared responsibility requiring coordination among government bodies, the private sector and civil society.
Al-Subaie reviewed the society’s efforts since 2013 in promoting renewable energy and sustainability awareness through voluntary initiatives, including the “Green Camp” project, the application of smart systems to rationalize energy and water consumption, the launch of the Renewable Energy Committee, and cooperation with the EU Mission and the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy in organizing specialized workshops.
Thamer Al-Failakawi, Director of Operations at the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, stressed the Fund’s continued role in supporting the clean energy transition locally and internationally through financing strategic solar and wind energy projects, enhancing energy efficiency and developing electrical infrastructure.
He noted that these projects help countries adapt to climate change impacts, reduce emissions and strengthen energy security, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He stressed that tackling climate challenges requires broad international cooperation and effective partnerships.
The conference sessions addressed key issues including modern legislation, carbon economy systems, advanced technologies such as energy storage and green hydrogen, and reducing carbon footprints through more sustainable environmental practices.
