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During its participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos.. TRENDS launches a study titled “The Future of Renewable Energy” and explores challenges

23 Jan 2025

During its participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos.. TRENDS launches a study titled “The Future of Renewable Energy” and explores challenges

23 Jan 2025

TRENDS launches a study titled “The Future of Renewable Energy” and explores challenges and opportunities in a panel discussion

As part of its second participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, and in a strategic move reflecting its commitment to scientific research and future foresight, TRENDS Research & Advisory launched a comprehensive study titled “The Future of Renewable Energy: Financing Challenges and Prosperity Opportunities”. This study, one of the center’s most significant publications, addresses critical issues related to renewable energy, including financial challenges and promising opportunities, with the goal of fostering discussions on practical solutions to advance the global transition to sustainable energy.

Key Features of the Study

The study provides an in-depth analysis of the current state and future prospects of renewable energy, structured into four main chapters:

Chapter One highlights the components of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, while reviewing the global distribution of renewable energy projects. It discusses major challenges, including high costs, technological hurdles in energy storage, and efficiency improvements. Chapter Two focuses on global and regional trends influencing renewable energy, emphasizing the critical role of technological innovation and market evolution in shaping the future of this sector. It also examines the contribution of renewable energy to achieving global sustainable development goals, stressing the importance of sustainable financing to support future projects. Chapter Three explores financial tools available to support renewable energy projects, such as investment loans and direct investments. It also addresses key challenges, including economic and political risks that may hinder sustainable financing efforts, while identifying new opportunities for advancing the sector. Chapter Four underscores the pivotal role of climate funds, international banks, and foreign direct investments in bridging the financial gap in the renewable energy sector. The study offers practical recommendations to enhance investments in this field, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation to drive innovation and achieve sustainable transformation.

A Panel Discussion Enriching Dialogue

On the sidelines of the study launch, TRENDS Research & Advisory organized a panel discussion featuring a distinguished group of experts, researchers and policymakers. The discussions revolved around the importance of renewable energy financing and its role in achieving economic and climate stability. The session also showcased successful case studies of countries that have effectively invested in the renewable energy sector, leading to job creation and enhanced economic growth.

The session was inaugurated by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, who emphasized the significance of scientific research in shaping a more sustainable future. In his opening remarks, he stated: “The transition to renewable energy is no longer a choice but a necessity to achieve global goals in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. This study aims to provide innovative solutions to overcome the financial and technical challenges facing this sector, as well as explore prospects for international cooperation in clean energy.”

Dr. Al-Ali added that through this study, TRENDS aims to offer practical insights for decision-makers and researchers on how to achieve a balanced and sustainable transformation in the energy sector. He noted that this publication is part of a long series of TRENDS outputs designed to enhance global dialogue on pressing economic issues.

Panelists emphasized the study’s findings, noting that while fossil fuels will maintain a significant role in the global energy market for decades, renewable energy projects are witnessing accelerated growth, particularly in electricity generation, as the world moves towards achieving environmental and developmental goals.

They also highlighted the main challenges facing the sector, including high costs, aging infrastructure, and regulatory constraints, which require innovative solutions. Investing in renewable energy, they noted, enhances sustainable development and offers new opportunities for regional and international collaboration.

The panel discussion recommended strengthening collaboration between governments and the private sector to fund renewable energy projects; increasing investment in research and development to foster technological innovation; supporting regulatory and policy frameworks that encourage the adoption of renewable energy; and focusing on international partnerships to ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals.

The panelists acknowledged TRENDS’ study as a foundational step towards a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the renewable energy sector. They called on international and local entities to adopt effective policies to achieve sustainable transformation.

Opportunities for Collaboration

On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, the TRENDS research delegation continued its meetings, engaging with several ministers and officials to discuss topics related to artificial intelligence, the economy, and future research studies. They also explored avenues for establishing new research partnerships and strengthening existing ones.

In recognition of their support and intellectual contributions, several officials were awarded the TRENDS Research Medal.