< Previous38 OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_38-39_Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak_13327771.indd 38OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_38-39_Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak_13327771.indd 3810/07/2024 09:1810/07/2024 09:1839 Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak is a prominent environmental leader, serving as the Managing Director of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, as well as the current president of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Al Mubarak holds an MSc in Public Understanding of Environmental Change from University College London and a BA in Environmental Studies and International Relations from Tufts University. In 2001, she co- founded Emirates Nature–WWF, a UAE affiliate of the WWF, where she serves as Managing Director. She is also the founding Managing Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, established in 2008. As Managing Director of EAD, Al Mubarak was the first woman to serve as secretary general and was appointed to its board of directors in 2018. Under her leadership, EAD has spearheaded numerous conservation initiatives, including the reintroduction of the scimitar-horned oryx into the wild in Chad. She has also overseen significant projects such as the Eye on Earth environmental data initiative and the establishment of protected wildlife areas, along with ambitious carbon reduction targets. In 2021, Al Mubarak was elected as the president of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, making her the second woman to hold this position. As one of the youngest to lead an Abu Dhabi government entity, her visionary approach has propelled significant environmental milestones, such as doubling protected wildlife areas and setting carbon reduction goals. Through the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, she has supported over 2,000 conservation projects worldwide solidifying her legacy as a champion for the environment. HE RAZAN KHALIFA AL MUBARAK Managing Director of the Environmental Agency Abu Dhabi President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_38-39_Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak_13327771.indd 39OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_38-39_Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak_13327771.indd 3910/07/2024 09:1810/07/2024 09:1840 OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_40-43_Joe Anis GE Vernova Profile_13331579.indd 40OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_40-43_Joe Anis GE Vernova Profile_13331579.indd 4010/07/2024 09:4210/07/2024 09:4241 GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) is a purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world’s challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. Currently leading the company’s Gas Power business in Europe, Middle East & Africa, Joseph Anis has been focused on helping customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. From leading the development of collaborations, to exploring the potential application of carbon capture and storage solutions, low-carbon fuels, and joint research and development (R&D) initiatives, to bringing upgrade solutions and record-setting technologies to the region, Anis has driven many new initiatives that have contributed to a more sustainable energy future in the region. Anis has led localisation efforts including identifying and growing local talent across the region, as well as developing the strategy, investing in, and leading the establishment of world-class service, manufacturing, training, remote monitoring and diagnostics, and R&D facilities, including the GE Manufacturing and Technology Center (GEMTEC) campus in Saudi Arabia and the GE Kuwait Technology Center. These initiatives have deepened the company’s connections and understanding of the region’s energy transition strategies. They also allowed GE Vernova to be closer to its customers, to solve their specific needs faster, at more competitive costs, while maintaining global standards. Moreover, through a system of continuous improvement, the Lean methodology, Anis has led efforts to help identify and reduce waste in the system and increase value for customers, accelerating efforts to bring more reliable, affordable, and sustainable power to all. Anis believes that the energy transition is not as simple as moving to lower carbon power to address climate change. Rather, it entails solving JOSEPH ANIS President & CEO, GE Vernova Europe, Middle East & Africa OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_40-43_Joe Anis GE Vernova Profile_13331579.indd 41OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_40-43_Joe Anis GE Vernova Profile_13331579.indd 4110/07/2024 09:4210/07/2024 09:4242 what is referred to as the energy trilemma – meaning, to achieve more reliable, affordable, and sustainable power, all while energy demand keeps increasing and hundreds of millions of people continue to lack dependable access to power around the world. On April 2, 2024, GE Vernova spun off from GE (General Electric) and became a standalone company listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: GEV). Joe Anis is fully convinced that this move has put the company in an even better position to support the region’s customers on their individual energy transition journeys, as GE Vernova is purely focused on electrification and decarbonisation. “We are 75,000 strong across 140+ countries around the world, and our installed technology that includes approximately 54,000 wind turbines and 7,000 gas turbines, helps generate about 25% of the world’s electricity,” Anis says. He adds, “With investments in local facilities and talent, global expertise, and a suite of industry-leading, complementary technologies including gas-fired power, onshore and offshore wind, hydro, nuclear, battery storage, hybrids, grid solutions, and digital applications, we are leading a new era of energy - electrifying the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it.” According to Anis, the energy sector is going through a significant transformation as policymakers, power industry leaders, and technologists try to address the energy trilemma. He outlines a few key trends: There will be increased investment in lower carbon energy solutions such as renewables, hydrogen, and ammonia, as well as carbon capture technologies and direct air capture solutions that can pull carbon dioxide out of the air. Storage solutions will become key grid assets, helping to increase the reliability and resilience of increasingly decentralised, variable power supplies. When it comes to gas OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_40-43_Joe Anis GE Vernova Profile_13331579.indd 42OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_40-43_Joe Anis GE Vernova Profile_13331579.indd 4210/07/2024 09:4210/07/2024 09:4243 power generation solutions, operational flexibility, both in terms of capacity to run on multiple fuel types, as well as being able to ramp power output up or down quickly, will become even more critical; this will enable gas power assets to be a destination (and not just a transition) technology that can burn hydrogen, ammonia, and other low-carbon fuels to complement the growth of fluctuating renewables. Energy technology convergence will aggregate separate technologies to create efficiencies, open new markets, and reduce costs. As a self-driven leader, Anis says that it is vital to always start with listening and stay close to the customers, communities, and employees you are meant to serve. “It can be all too easy to be insular and to surround yourself with an echo chamber of like-minded people. Make the effort to resist this and be intentional about getting a diversity of thoughts and opinions,” he says to those who seek to grow. He also believes that it is important to be open to and embrace change. “We are at a fascinating crossroads in the sector today where we are developing new solutions to address the climate challenge, secure affordable and reliable energy supplies, and meet growing demand,” he explains. Discussing what he wants to be remembered for, he said, “Nurturing the next generation of energy leaders. The opportunity to lead is a gift and comes with the responsibility to ensure the next generation is ready to not just take over but to push the boundaries of possibilities even further. A considerable amount of my time is spent on mentoring, coaching, and guiding our talent to support them in their personal leadership journeys, so they, in turn, can make a meaningful and long- lasting impact in the sector.” OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_40-43_Joe Anis GE Vernova Profile_13331579.indd 43OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_40-43_Joe Anis GE Vernova Profile_13331579.indd 4310/07/2024 09:4210/07/2024 09:4244 OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_44-45_Ghada_13325046.indd 44OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_44-45_Ghada_13325046.indd 4410/07/2024 09:1910/07/2024 09:1945 Ghada Rahal, a Future Energy Leader at the World Energy Council, has made significant strides in the energy sector, driven by her intellectual curiosity and passion for problem-solving. Her fascination with the mechanics of engines and determination to challenge societal boundaries led her to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. Rahal’s journey began as a site mechanical engineer, where she quickly realised her desire to make a meaningful impact on climate change through green energy initiatives. Rahal describes herself as an “Energy Warrior,” dedicated to creating a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations. Her work in the energy sector allows her to develop sustainable solutions that address one of the most pressing global challenges. This sense of purpose and progress, coupled with the personal fulfilment of breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry, keeps her motivated and inspired. The most rewarding aspect of Rahal’s job is the knowledge that she is actively shaping a sustainable future. Her contributions directly combat climate change, empowering her both professionally and personally. One of the most significant changes Rahal has observed in the Middle East is the rapid rise of renewable energy. Historically dominated by oil and gas, the region is now shifting towards diversifying its energy mix with significant investments in renewable energy solutions. Rahal’s contributions to the energy transition are substantial. She pioneered one of Lebanon’s first solar plants and led the BUILD-ME project, establishing a Building Typology Database to support zero-emission building goals in the Middle East and North Africa. In her view, the energy transition is about creating a better version of ourselves . As a Future Energy Leader, Rahal believes the World Energy Council is well-positioned to drive the transition, offering opportunities for dialogue, innovation, and practical outputs in line with the Council’s mission. GHADA RAHAL Future Energy Leader, World Energy Council OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_44-45_Ghada_13325046.indd 45OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_44-45_Ghada_13325046.indd 4510/07/2024 09:1910/07/2024 09:1946 OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_46-47_Blank and Project Title_13334172.indd 46OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_46-47_Blank and Project Title_13334172.indd 4610/07/2024 09:2010/07/2024 09:2047 PRO JECTS OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_46-47_Blank and Project Title_13334172.indd 47OAG_World Energy Transition Leaders 2024_46-47_Blank and Project Title_13334172.indd 4710/07/2024 09:2010/07/2024 09:20Next >