Members of Masdar Institute of Science of Technology s Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program learnt about the role of gas and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in securing a sustainable energy future in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during a one-day workshop organised by Shell.
The workshop was part of Shell s continuous commitment to learning and development initiatives in Abu Dhabi. The YFEL program, an outreach initiative of Masdar Institute, has an annual calendar of events including a number of workshops that provide the young professionals with learning opportunities, real-life interaction and experiential engagements aimed at enhancing their career development.
The Shell workshop included interactive presentations on the role of gas and LNG in addressing energy shortfalls in the region while addressing climate change concerns. It also featured a discussion on the MENA region s energy opportunities and challenges, and a set of short presentations on new innovative solutions developed by Shell to bring stranded gas reserves to markets.
A leadership engagement, featuring Mounir Bouaziz, Shell Vice-President for Commercial/New Business Development MENA, and Country Chairman of Dubai & Northern Emirates, and Steven Griffiths, Executive Director, Institute Initiatives, Masdar Institute, addressed future energy trends and the links between natural gas as the cleanest fossil fuel and sustainability.
“In this region, as well as in other parts of the world, all energy sources will have to be mobilised to meet growing energy needs. Policy makers will determine the energy mix of their respective countries based on a number of factors: security and flexibility of supplies; cost competitiveness and environment and health,” said Bouaziz.
“The environmental and health benefits of natural gas cannot be under-estimated. It is the cleanest burning fossil fuel and emits 50% less CO2 than coal when burned for power generation. Gas also emits less of the sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and small particles polluting the air of many cities. This is truly a significant feature. According to the World Health Organisation, one person dies every second from diseases related to air quality. These unique benefits put natural gas at the core of any viable energy solution for sustaining economic growth and preserving the environment,” he added.
Source : WAM News Agency for United Arab Emirates
