As the host nation of the 25th WPC Energy Congress, what key message does Saudi Arabia hope to convey to the global energy community?
Saudi Arabia’s message is that the world needs practical, inclusive and technology-open pathways to an energy future that delivers energy security, continuity and prosperity for all. As host of the 25th WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh under the theme "pathways to an energy future for all", the Kingdom aims to demonstrate its readiness to help shape these pathways based on decades of experience as a reliable energy supplier, and on the strategy of diversification under Saudi Vision 2030.
The Kingdom will advocate that the global energy future must address the energy trilemma—security, affordability and continuity—in a balanced and inclusive manner, recognising the diverse national circumstances, adequate energy mix and stages of development across the globe. Saudi Arabia believes all energy sources and technologies will be required for the foreseeable future, and that continued investment in all forms of energy is essential to avoid energy market instability and supply shocks. The Kingdom seeks to position itself as a global convening hub for dialogue, bringing together producers, consumers, technology providers, financiers and policy makers, from wide spectrum perspectives.
Are there any emerging aspects of the 2026 Congress that Saudi Arabia
wishes to highlight?
The Riyadh edition has been designed to reflect the interconnected and multidisciplinary nature of modern energy systems. The programme encompasses five main thematic areas and 30 technical forums, moving from primary energy and infrastructure into fuels, molecules, technology, human capital and finance.
This structure illustrates how no part of the energy value chain evolves in isolation, and how progress must be coordinated across upstream, midstream, downstream, digital, materials and workforce domains.
Saudi Arabia is placing particular emphasis on inclusive approach and participation. The Congress will convene established and new suppliers, major consuming economies, innovation leaders and financial institutions.
This reflects the Kingdom’s view that the energy conversation must be more geographically inclusive than in the past, ensuring inclusiveness when shaping the global energy agenda.
How does hosting the Congress align with Saudi Vision 2030?
Hosting one of the world’s leading energy gatherings in Riyadh advances several core Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. It underscores the Kingdom’s role as a global hub connecting three continents, strengthens its position as a centre for thought leadership in energy and showcases ongoing economic diversification into advanced manufacturing, cleaner technologies, mining, innovation and services.
The Congress also highlights opportunities for localisation and investment, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 goals to grow high-value industrial supply chains within the Kingdom. Delegates will see the progress in giga-projects and industrial clusters, as well as the enabling role of capital markets, research ecosystems and talent development initiatives.
By integrating themes such as emerging technologies, future of energy, innovation and human capability, the Congress demonstrates how Saudi Vision 2030’s social and educational goals are interwoven with energy and industrial strategy, rather than separate from it.
What emerging technologies does the Kingdom view as critical to the future energy system?
Saudi Arabia views an inclusive and diversified, technology-open portfolio as essential for a secure, inclusive and affordable energy future. No single technology can solve the challenges of the energy system; progress must remain inclusive of all solutions. Low carbon hydrogen is a priority for long-term energy transport, with major projects under development to produce and export hydrogen-based fuels such as ammonia.
Advanced renewables, supported by grid integration and storage, are expanding rapidly under the National Renewable Energy Program. Digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced analytics, are already improving efficiency, safety and emissions intensity across the sector.
Carbon removal and abatement technologies are key enablers of this view. CCUS, including Direct Air Capture (DAC), remains central to the Circular Carbon Economy framework, providing practical pathways to while ensuring energy security and market stability.
The Kingdom also attaches importance to alternative fuels, advancement in advanced materials, and innovation in critical minerals and circular manufacturing.
The overarching view is clear: no single solution can solve the challenges of energy system; sustainable and secure energy system requires a diverse and inclusive mix of solutions, carbon management, hydrogen, renewables, digitalisation, and innovation across the sector.
How important are international partnerships to achieving these goals?
International partnerships are fundamental to achieving global energy security and building a resilient energy system. In an interconnected world, no country can address the challenges of energy supply alone. Saudi Arabia recognises that cooperation across borders is essential to ensure stability in energy markets, accelerate innovation.
International partnerships are indispensable. The Kingdom is deepening collaboration with consuming nations, fellow producers, technology developers, financiers and multilaterals to accelerate deployment of hydrogen, CCUS, renewables and digital infrastructure.
Initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative illustrate this commitment, while conferences like the 25th WPC Energy Congress expand cooperation beyond traditional energy players, to include technology developers, financiers and policy makers.
Saudi Arabia actively participates in international initiatives that advance clean energy and
carbon management, including:
▪ Mission Innovation (CDR Mission): Driving innovation in carbon dioxide removal technologies.
▪ CCUS Initiative under the Clean Energy Ministerial: Supporting robust policy frameworks for carbon capture and storage.
▪ Carbon Management Challenge: Leading global efforts to scale carbon management technologies.
▪ International Carbon Capture Institute: Contributing to research, reports, and workshops that accelerate CCUS adoption.
▪ Global Methane Pledge: Committing to reduce global methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
These global and inclusive collaboration is indispensable for accelerating energy-related technologies such as hydrogen, CCUS, renewables and digital infrastructure at scale.
What is the potential for renewables under the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP)?
Saudi Arabia has world-class solar and wind resources. Under NREP, renewables are targeted to supply around half of domestic electricity by 2030, complemented by natural gas.
Implementation is through competitive tenders that attract investment and encourage both domestic and international participation. Alongside capacity deployment, focus areas include grid flexibility, storage, regulatory reform and localisation where commercially viable.
How is the Ministry preparing the future workforce?
Future talent development is a priority under Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s energy strategy. The Ministry collaborates with universities, training centres and industry to align programmes with the skills required in a more diversified, technology-driven energy landscape. This includes STEM expansion, specialised tracks in renewables, digital capabilities, advanced manufacturing and CCUS and hands-on vocational pathways.
Saudi Vision 2030’s Human Capability Development Program complements this by promoting lifelong learning and upskilling. National energy companies continue to expand graduate schemes, research collaborations and entrepreneurship support, ensuring that Saudi youth are central to the global energy future.
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