Stavanger, August 27, 2024, The Europe Today: At the ongoing ONS Energy Forum, Morocco is capturing global attention with its pioneering approach to energy transition. The event, organized by the ONS Foundation, a leading global non-profit dedicated to fostering dialogue on geopolitics, energy, and climate issues, commenced on August 26 and will continue through August 29.
The forum, inaugurated by Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon, has quickly become a premier global summit for discussing advancements in the energy sector. This year, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, is at the forefront, showcasing the nation’s innovative strides in renewable energy and sustainable development.
Inger Lisa Rettedal, Program Director of the ONS Foundation, highlighted the significance of Benali’s participation. “Leila Benali is an important voice on sustainability and energy transformation. We are excited to welcome her to Stavanger, Norway, this August. Her insights will be important when we discuss the energy transition in a global perspective and imagine a more sustainable future,” Rettedal stated on the organization’s website.
Rethinking Energy for a Sustainable Future
The opening plenary session set the tone for the forum, focusing on rethinking and redefining strategies to achieve a more sustainable energy future. Discussions emphasized that transforming the energy sector is not only essential for the planet’s survival but also critical for humanity’s well-being.
Key topics included the challenges posed by climate change, geopolitical instability, and the rapidly evolving energy landscape. The session also delved into ensuring universal energy access while striving for a net-zero future, highlighting the importance of developing effective business strategies and fostering international collaboration for a fair and orderly energy transition.
Speakers questioned whether existing frameworks are adequate to meet net-zero targets, advance low-carbon technologies, and scale up renewable energy initiatives, while also considering if the current pace of transformation is sufficient.
Notable speakers at the forum include Remi Eriksen, Chair of the ONS Conference Committee and CEO of DNV; Crown Prince Haakon of Norway; and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Other prominent figures such as Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies; Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency; and Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union, are also contributing to the discussions on the global energy outlook.
Morocco’s Role in Renewable Energy and Global Supply Chains
During the opening panel on “A More Resilient Future,” Minister Benali, alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Crown Prince Haakon, spotlighted Morocco’s advancements in renewable energy. Benali emphasized Morocco’s strategic focus on energy security, the scale and speed of its projects, and the critical importance of international partnerships in driving successful energy transitions.
Benali also discussed Morocco’s potential and experience in managing mineral resources, positioning the country as a significant contributor to global energy transition efforts. She underscored Morocco’s role as a key corridor in global supply chains, further establishing the nation as a leader in the renewable energy sector.
The ONS Energy Forum continues to provide a platform for vital discussions on energy transition, with Morocco emerging as a key player in shaping a sustainable future for the global energy landscape.
