Luc Koechlin

Luc Koechlin holds a Master's degree in Finance and Business Administration from ESSEC Business school, one of the leading French Business School. After 5 years as a consultant in Corporate Recovery and Turnaround Management for Arthur Andersen he joined EDF in 2005.

From 2005 to 2017, he has occupied various positions within EDF Group from advisor and auditor at EDF Presidency, to Regional Commercial Director managing the transformation of EDF to face the opening of the French electricity market to competition.

He joined EDF International Division in 2017, as Vice President for Southern and Eastern Africa, based in Johannesburg, in charge of the development of the Group in the region. During this period, he has been developing projects, especially in Hydropower and Energy Efficiency to support the energy crisis and the energy transition from coal to clean energy.

In September 2022, he has been appointed as CEO EDF Middle East, based in Abu Dhabi. Present in the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Bahrein, Oman and Lebanon with 850 employees locally implemented, EDF bring its well-recognized expertise to the Middle East region who has started its energy transition. Through a range of diverse solutions involving energy efficiency programs and the use of hydroelectric, wind, solar, biomass, thermal with carbon capture and nuclear power, EDF Group favors the most appropriate and low-carbon solutions answering the regional energy transition expectations.

From February 2025, in the context of the merger between EDF International and EDF Renewables activities, he has been appointed as CEO for EDF Group in the Middle East, including former EDF Renewables Middle East activities.

Session Overview

Wednesday, 5 November

10:45

Hydrogen Conference Room A 10:45 - 11:25

The emerging role of Gulf nations in the global hydrogen economy

With abundant renewable resources, active carbon capture capabilities and significant natural gas reserves, Gulf states are ideally placed to develop giga-scale hydrogen projects. A stable investment environment and advanced energy infrastructure further support both a sizeable domestic market and export ambitions, particularly given the favourable geography for exporting to major consumption centres like Europe and Asia, meaning Gulf nations are primed and ready to produce cost-effective green and blue hydrogen. As legacy oil majors pivot to low-carbon fuels, the region’s unique advantages – which include hydrocarbon expertise, a strategic location and supportive policies – have the potential to solidify the Gulf’s position as a global hydrogen hub.

Attendee insights:

Hear from experts on how the Gulf’s distinctive infrastructure, policy environment and technical expertise can drive hydrogen market growth, fuelling international collaboration and sustainable development.