In an exclusive e-mail interview with Ahlam Rais, Dr. Mike Enskat, Director, IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre at International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) shares his views on the use of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) solutions as well as forecasts the future trajectory of the renewable energy sector.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is currently deploying more than 200 AI tools with an aim to become the most AI-enabled energy company in the world. These tools autonomously monitor the performance of critical equipment, reduce operational downtime, enhance efficiency and predict emission sources—empowering smarter decision making.

Varo Energy has delivered its 2022 One Varo Transformation strategy ahead of schedule by successfully acquiring Preem. This move has led to the establishment of Varopreem which is now one of Europe’s most significant energy companies, combining deep industrial capabilities with global trading reach to serve mobility and industrial customers.

Sidara, the Dubai-based engineering firm has successfully completed the acquisition of the multinational engineering and consulting company Wood Group. The move is in line with Sidara’s long-term strategic ambition of expanding and elevating its energy offering to clients worldwide.

Shaheen III, an HPE-built system is now the most powerful supercomputer in the Middle East. The innovative technology will offer numerous benefits for the local population including advancing AI models for diagnosing rare diseases within the Saudi population, enhancing medical imaging and supporting autism spectrum disorder research.

Europe’s chemical industry is sliding into crisis as rising energy costs, weak demand, and dwindling investments force widespread plant shutdowns. Without swift policy intervention, the region risks losing its industrial backbone to competitors in lower cost, faster growing markets.

At the Interpack 2026, Marchesini will present a broad range of filling machines for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. AI and aseptic manufacturing will be the main focus. In the sustainability section, the company plans to showcase a remanufacturing process on-site.

Imagine the Big Five of the pharma industry and numerous other leading pharma companies in one room – the air is buzzing with expert discussions, future visions, and technical progress. That's how Optima's Pharma Forum felt when it took place in Schwäbisch Hall at the end of September 2025.

BASF has recently inaugurated its new Verbund site in Zhanjiang, China. The 8.7 billion project sets a new benchmark for sustainable chemical production in China and across the globe.

With an aim to become an AI-based, high-value materials company, LG Chem has plans to invest 9.7 billion dollars in R&D by 2035. The firm will also focus on semiconductor, mobility, and robotics materials.