28 September 2015
· Trends highlight need for growing investment in natural gas

· Innovations in LNG highlight role as bridging fuel

· UAE and MENA region: a global showcase for gas

Abu Dhabi-UAE - Shell and the Masdar Institute of Technology recently underscored the important role gas will play in the region's energy transition at a landmark educational session for members of the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) outreach programme on 16 September 2015.

The growing importance of gas as a part of the regional energy mix and the benefits of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in achieving a sustainable energy future were discussed with the region's future leaders in the fields of energy, who are part of this unique outreach programme led by Masdar Institute.

The second annual knowledge seminar at the Masdar Institute campus is part of Shell's ongoing commitment to the UAE's youth and is aligned with the UAE vision 2021's pillar of developing a diversified knowledge-based economy. It aims to nurture participant's skills and knowledge through engaging them with energy leaders of today in learning opportunities.

In attendance at the seminar were members of Shell's leadership team, officials and members of YFEL from Masdar Institute.

Topics high on the agenda of the energy industry where addressed at this interactive learning session. These include the regional energy outlook and the important role that gas and LNG will play in driving sustainability for the future generations. 

Speaking at the workshop, Rafi Baghdijian, Chief Operating Officer for Shell Abu Dhabi said, "The MENA region is not only a key producing and exporting region, it also has an exponentially growing demand. By 2020, it is estimated to be the second largest gas market and by 2035 energy demand is estimated to increase by 60%.  Natural gas is shaping up to be a natural choice to meet this demand, as the region holds 40% of the world's proven reserves; and accelerating the deployment of gas supports two elements of a 'clean and green' energy system. It allows the global economy to begin decarbonising today and it complements the development of renewables and other innovative low carbon energy technologies."

"Developing an energy system that enables countries in the region to establish sustainability while making responsible choices on climate change can be effectively addressed through investment in gas and LNG.  And we are seeing many countries in the region investing in LNG - Dubai & Kuwait are operational, while Abu Dhabi has committed to the development of a terminal in Fujairah and Jordan is already importing LNG," he continued.

Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Vice-President, Institutional Advancement and Public Affairs, Masdar Institute, said "This annual experiential seminar has become one of the most important events on the YFEL calendar as it enables YFEL members to engage with industry leadership in discussions relevant to their daily lives and with a direct impact on their future and that of the region. Masdar Institute continues to invest in research and development while creating human and intellectual capital in the energy sector. Our collaborative efforts in this regard are complementary and will definitely pave a way to achieve sustainability."

YFEL invests in sharing knowledge with students and young professionals in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability. Through the programme, these young professionals are mentored with view of becoming the future leaders and true professionals in the energy sector, as they engage with the energy leaders of today. YFEL also offers young professionals and students from the UAE and abroad, the opportunity to become more engaged in finding solutions to the world's biggest challenges - energy efficiency and climate change.

-Ends-

About Shell
Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 70 countries and territories with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of liquefied natural gas and gas to liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects. For further information, visit www.shell.com.

About Masdar Institute
The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Masdar Institute) was established by the government of Abu Dhabi as a not-for-profit, private graduate university to develop indigenous R&D capacity in Abu Dhabi addressing issues of importance to the region.

In collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute has developed an academic and research platform that articulates its mission and vision according to critical energy and sustainability challenges.

An important characteristic of Masdar Institute is its focus on complex real-world problems that require a multidisciplinary approach for the development of solutions from an integrated technology, systems and policy perspective. This multi-interdisciplinary and integrated approach is supported by the structure of its academic programs and by the emphasis placed on engaging external partners from industry, government, and other academic institutions in collaborative activities.

Serving as a key pillar of innovation and human capital, Masdar Institute remains fundamental to Masdar's core objectives of developing Abu Dhabi's knowledge economy and finding solutions to humanity's toughest challenges such as climate change.

Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.  With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.

Masdar Institute offers degrees in:

MSc Engineering Systems and Management

MSc Computing and Information Science

MSc Materials Science and Engineering

MSc Mechanical Engineering

MSc Water and Environmental Engineering

MSc Microsystems Engineering

MSc Electrical Power Engineering

MSc Chemical Engineering

MSc Sustainable Critical Infrastructure

PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering

Please visit our website www.masdar.ac.ae/

About Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program
The Young Future Energy Leaders program is an integral part of Masdar Institute's outreach efforts and is a key component of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) held annually in Abu Dhabi. YFEL inspires, engages and empowers bright young people to be tomorrow's leaders in the field of alternative energy and sustainability. It achieves this by bringing together students and promising young professionals from the UAE and around the world to series of networking, skill development and idea sharing forums focused on this dynamic and vitally important field. In helping nurture tomorrow's leaders, every year YFEL runs a series of educational courses on technology, policy, leadership and entrepreneurship to provide participants with the skills they need to successfully lead organizations and communities to a more sustainable future.

For media enquiries contact:
Mr. Nureddin Wefati
Head of Media Relations for Middle East & North Africa
Shell EP International
Tel: +97147055347
Cell: +971562162409
Nureddin.Wefati@Shell.com
Mr
. Ali Khan
Spokesperson Middle East & North Africa
Shell EP International Ltd
Tel:   +971 4 405 4563
Cell: +971 501 897 480
Ali-nasir.khan@shell.com
Shaima
Al Jarman
Director - Marketing & Communications
Public Affairs Department
Masdar Institute
Email: saljarman@masdar.ac.ae
Phone
: +971 02 810 9365

Cautionary note
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© Press Release 2015