Salim Essaid

Salim A. Essaid is the business editor at The National, where he directs the publication’s news coverage of global and regional industries, market trends, advanced technology, business lifestyle, and more. For nearly 15 years, Salim broke original news, features, and data-led analysis for outlets including TIME Magazine, CNN, NHK World, Agence France Presse (AFP) the Associated Press (AP), and Al-Monitor. Until the end of 2020, he was the lead correspondent on Euronews' weekly Inspire Middle East, and later the host of Sci-Tech. He produced more than 120 episodes exploring the latest happenings in the MENA region’s technology, business, and sustainability scene. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Arabic and Japanese from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Master’s degree in broadcasting from the Columbia School of Journalism in New York.

Session Overview

Tuesday, 4 November

10:45

Finance & Investment Conference Room A 10:45 - 11:25

Financing the future: innovative mechanisms for energy projects

Overcoming the financial and structural barriers that are hampering the fast-tracking of low-carbon energy projects will require significant innovation. Models such as blended finance solutions, green bonds and first-loss equity funds could help mitigate exposure for investors in high-risk projects. Impact investing and crowdfunding also offer opportunities to generate both financial returns and positive environmental impacts. Regulatory predictability, international cooperation, and engagement with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will also be critical if these mechanisms are to deliver on their innovation and market development potential. At the same time, tailored regional solutions will aid the evolution of global project funding, leveraging local resources and policies to overcome unique challenges, while development finance institutions and export credit agencies can be leveraged to mobilise capital and reduce investment risks in emerging economies. By fostering an inclusive and attractive landscape, our industry has an opportunity to bridge the investment gap through innovative finance mechanisms, ensuring a resilient, low-carbon energy future.

Attendee insights:

Join industry leaders, energy businesses, startups and financiers to explore how our sector can engage development banks, institutional investors and private equity firms.