At the inaugural Mediterranean Green Week in Istanbul, Frank Wouters, Director of MED-GEM, led enlightening discussions with leading figures from the renewable energy and gas sectors. A particularly insightful conversation with Dr. Houda Ben Jannet Allal, Director General of the Mediterranean Organization for Energy and Climate (OMEC), unveiled the challenges and opportunities facing the region in the quest for a green transition.

During this "Green Spark" exchange, Frank Wouters and Dr. Houda Ben Jannet Allal delved into OMEC’s transformative journey. Formerly known as the Mediterranean Observatory for Energy, OMEC has shifted its focus to encompass both energy and climate issues, underscoring the synergy necessary for a sustainable future. As a nonprofit think tank and industry voice, OMEC promotes cooperation among Mediterranean energy companies and nations, striving for a just energy transition.

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Hurdles in the Path of Renewable Energy

The conversation highlighted a paradox: the southern Mediterranean boasts some of the world's richest renewable energy resources yet lags in their deployment compared to the north. Dr. Houda pointed to several barriers, including institutional instability, competition with subsidized hydrocarbons, and a lack of a stable regulatory framework. Despite these challenges, there is a palpable shift as countries increasingly commit to doubling energy efficiency and tripling renewable energy by 2030.

Towards a Collaborative Future

Then Frank and Houda emphasized the importance of win-win cooperation, not just within the Mediterranean but extending to broader international partnerships. The recent commitment from regional countries to enhance renewable energy efforts, despite some instability and absence from pledges, reflects a growing political will to embrace a sustainable future. The conversation concluded with a call for synergistic, interdependent cooperation, aiming to transform the Mediterranean into a model of green energy collaboration.

The dialogue between Frank Wouters and Dr. Houda Ben Jannet Allal during the Mediterranean Green Week underscored both the immense potential and the significant challenges facing the region’s energy transition. By fostering stronger cooperation and overcoming institutional hurdles, the Mediterranean can become a beacon of sustainable energy and climate resilience.

About Dr Houda Ben Jannet Allal: A Visionary Leader

Dr. Houda Ben Jannet Allal’s journey with the Mediterranean energy sector is a testament to her expertise and dedication. Joining the Observatoire Méditerranéen de l’Energie (OME) in 1992, she ascended to the role of General Director on January 1, 2013. Her tenure at OME has seen her excel in various roles, including Director of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development and Strategy Director. Her extensive experience in energy prospects, renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable development, and energy cooperation has provided her with a unique and comprehensive perspective on the region's energy landscape. Dr. Allal's leadership continues to drive forward the agenda of sustainable energy development and cooperation in the Mediterranean.