Expert panel at the University of Birmingham Dubai explores the role of policy, technology, and finance in accelerating progress towards a net-zero future.
Audience members listen attentively as panellists share their insights.
The University of Birmingham Dubai welcomed leading voices from across the energy and finance sectors on 8 May 2025 for a dynamic panel event exploring the critical enablers of global energy transition.
Explored under the theme, “Towards a Sustainable Future: Accelerating the Energy Transition”, the evening brought together academics, industry experts, and thought leaders to discuss how policy, innovation, and sustainable finance are reshaping the shift from fossil-based systems to low-carbon and renewable energy sources.
The event featured two panel discussions and a keynote presentation, each covering key pillars of the transition—technology and policy, and financing mechanisms—to inspire actionable insights for governments, businesses, and communities alike.
Dr Archibong Eso, Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham Dubai, moderated the first panel titled “Technology and Policy as a Catalyst: Creating Enabling Environments for the Energy Transition.” The discussion unpacked how advances in energy efficiency, electrification, and low-carbon fuels can be scaled with the right policy frameworks and cross-sector collaboration.
Panellists, including Burak Ozsoylu (Business Development & MARCOM, Enova), shared real-world examples of industrial innovation, ranging from energy conservation technologies in manufacturing to solar-powered data centres and biogas adoption in Europe. Panos Bafis (AtkinsRéalis) emphasised the importance of enabling regulation and integrated policy that can help accelerate adoption across sectors.
The second panel, “Financing the Transition: Driving Investment for a Zero and Low-Carbon Economy,” was moderated by Sophia Hasnoi, Business Development Manager at Yellow Door Energy. This session spotlighted the crucial role of sustainable finance in delivering the transition at scale.
With insights from Vijaypal Singh (Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Emirates NBD), Sumit Agarwal (CEO, ESG Weise), and Dr Kaiser H Naseem (International Development Banker). The panel examined how tools such as blended finance, sustainable loans, and smart capital deployment can derisk investment and make green technologies more accessible. Mr Agarwal described blended finance as a “bouquet of financial instruments,” noting that effective alignment between capital, policy, and public understanding is essential to drive meaningful progress.
Our MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering is designed to equip the next generation of engineers with the knowledge and tools to lead the transition to sustainable energy systems.
The event concluded with a keynote address, delivered by Dr Grant Wilson, Co-Director of the Birmingham Energy Institute, focused on “Low-Carbon Shipped Energy: A Critical Part of a Net-Zero World.” His remarks emphasised the global interdependencies of the energy supply chain and highlighted the urgent need for scalable solutions in areas such as low-carbon shipping and energy storage.
From discussions on technology, policy, and finance, the event showcased the University’s commitment to convening multidisciplinary dialogue on one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
The panel themes closely reflect the academic focus of the University of Birmingham Dubai’s Chemical Engineering programmes. Dr Hassan Ali, Programme Director for MSc Renewable Energy Engineering, explained: “Our MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering is designed to equip the next generation of engineers with the knowledge and tools to lead the transition to sustainable energy systems.” The programme covers advanced topics in energy efficiency, low-carbon technologies, systems integration, and policy. Graduates are empowered to develop innovative solutions to complex global challenges and drive real-world change across the energy sector.
Participants gather for a group photo following the discussion, celebrating a successful and thought-provoking event.
Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering
The academic profile of Archibong Eso Archibong, University of Birmingham Dubai
Associate Professor
Profile of Dr Hassan Ali, Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham
Associate Professor
Grant Wilson, Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham
