Muscat: The Ministry of Economy, represented by the National Foresight Office, today organized the second session of the "Future Dialogues" programme under the title "Navigating Transformations in the Global Energy Landscape." The session reviewed current and future transformations in energy markets, the impact of economic, geopolitical and technological developments on supply and demand trends and supply chains, and discussed considerations related to these transformations.
The session aims to deepen understanding of global transformations and their implications for the national economy, enhance the use of foresight tools in studying strategic options and early preparedness for change, and provide a space that brings together leaders, officials and specialists from government entities and the private sector for dialogue with international experts, linking future knowledge to planning priorities, policymaking and investment decisions.
The session reviewed three pathways addressing different dimensions of energy security. The first focuses on economic growth and productivity gains amid the expanding impact of artificial intelligence technologies. The second examines the rising priority of resource security, borders and national interests in a more fragmented world. The third explores the requirements for achieving long-term environmental security and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. These conceptual pathways were presented as tools for exploring multiple possibilities, testing options and preparing for their outcomes.
On energy security, the session addressed four pillars: access to energy, supply reliability, resilience and recovery from shocks, and adaptation to future changes. This included discussion of the importance of resource diversification, the availability of capacities and infrastructure, the flexibility of response to supply and demand changes, the ability to restore essential services, and the creation of the economic and investment conditions needed to develop energy systems.
The presentations also addressed potential pathways for demand for oil, natural gas and electricity, and the varying pace of transition across sectors and regions. Topics included the future use of oil in aviation and petrochemical industries, the role of natural gas in industry and power generation, the prospects for liquefied natural gas, the evolution of electric vehicle use, and the investment needs these changes impose on production, grids and storage.
The "Future Dialogues" programme builds cumulative knowledge of trends and transformations affecting the future of development by hosting experts and specialists and exchanging insights, methodologies and international experiences. It aims to strengthen future thinking among leaders and institutions, develop the capacity to test hypotheses and explore alternatives, and support the use of dialogue outcomes in studying national issues and proactive policies.
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