Managing Director of Zest Associates Jeffery Beyer advanced the sustainability conversation through several events in March 2022. Take a look at some of our highlights by clicking on the compilation below.
On March 8th, Jeffrey spoke at a panel for the Global Energy & Utilities Forum entitled "The Rise of Sustainable Finance". Jeffrey drew upon the major study on Financing a Green Transition in the Middle East that Zest delivered with HSBC and the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government. He discussed the unique opportunity that Gulf governments have to leverage their huge sovereign wealth funds and state-owned enterprises to invest in low carbon industries and deliver strong financial and social returns on investment.
Jeffrey also spoke at the TXF Middle East & Africa conference on the 16th of March. He provided a sector-by-sector overview on the outlook for decarbonisation across the Middle East. Jeffrey discussed how innovation and scale have led to cost reductions in renewables and electric vehicles, and the opportunity that remains for the industrial sector as well as shipping and aviation.
On March 24th, Jeffery moderated a panel for EDF Energy Series. The panel included representatives from both the Middle East and Europe, including the CEO of EDF Renewables Bruno Fyot. The event, entitled "EDF Renewables Middle East’s Energy and Water Summit," discussed the relationship and interconnections between energy and water, and ways in which both resources are being sustainably stewarded.
On March 29th, Jeffery presented early findings from the landmark study on “UAE-UK Clean Hydrogen Collaboration” at MENA Climate Week 2022, and explored areas where collaboration across policy, innovation, trade and investment can accelerate both countries' clean hydrogen agendas. Jeffery also shared preliminary results from the soon-to-be-released study on UAE-UK clean hydrogen collaboration opportunities. The presentation can be watched here.
He also launched the study “Financing a Green Transition in the Middle East” at MENA Climate Week 2022 on 31st March. The panel included representatives from HSBC and the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government, and reviewed key findings from two studies: one focused on policy, and the other focused on financial instruments and enabling conditions. The panel can be watched here.
The final two events took place on the 30th and 31st of March, where Jeffery spoke as part of the Connecting Green Hydrogen MENA 2023 symposium. He delivered the keynote welcome address at the CEO Dinner, moderated a panel on Morocco’s hydrogen position, and spoke at the closing panel on the green hydrogen opportunity in the MENA region. A range of speakers highlighted the unique position of the MENA region in both discussions, including its abundant, renewable natural resources, proximity to key export markets and strong existing infrastructure.
The MENA region is well-positioned to establish itself as a global leader in new low carbon industries like clean hydrogen, and to reorient its investment landscape to support sustainability. The number of events focused on sustainable development held just in March 2022 demonstrates the heightened importance of energy transition and decarbonisation in the region. Zest’s Managing Director Jeffrey Beyer is emerging as a key voice in the conversation, sharing his expertise with the movement and helping to turn ambition into action.