ADIPEC 2024, the world’s largest energy event, has announced the finalists for the new Young ADIPEC Methane Abatement Challenge, showcasing innovative solutions from the UAE’s brightest high school students in tackling methane emissions.
This year, Young ADIPEC will host its 12th edition in collaboration with Academic Partner Abu Dhabi University. The flagship competition focuses on three critical areas - flaring, venting and fugitive emissions, offering a platform for young innovators to propose practical solutions that contribute to the global transition towards a more secure, equitable and sustainable energy future.
The eight finalists, each excelling in one of the competition categories, will present their solutions at ADIPEC on 5 November 2024 in Abu Dhabi, where the winners will be selected.
ADIPEC is hosted by ADNOC and marks its 40th anniversary this year, a milestone event that aims to unite the energy world to enable energy innovation and accelerate action.
ADIPEC 2024 will explore the intersection of energy and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive the energy transition and deliver global impact. By leveraging AI and other emerging technologies, ADIPEC 2024 will focus on delivering tangible solutions for decarbonisation and sustainable energy.
In the flaring category, the Methane Mitigators team from Abu Dhabi International PVT School has been recognised for their innovative concept to retrofit catalytic combustion technology into existing flare systems, alongside the New Horizon team from Horizon Private School, whose project focuses on reducing methane emissions in the atmosphere utilising metal organic framework.
In the venting category, the MethaTech team from GEMS Legacy School earned their finalist spot with a solution for managing methane emissions with a multi-step, integrated system designed for both environmental and economic benefits, while the Piphexis team from Yas American Academy is competing with an idea to develop filters to be placed at emission sources to trap released methane for utilisation, and the MBZ Clean Atmosphere team from Emirates National Schools is a finalist for a Mercury filtration machine designed to purify methane by being fixed on the roofs of structures to purify the air.
Finally, in the fugitive emissions category, the Solar Striders team from Al Dhafra Private School Abu Dhabi impressed the judges with their project on solar-powered vehicles to eliminate methane emissions resulting from driving petrol-powered vehicles, along with the Triple Bond team from Abu Dhabi International PVT School recognised for their idea to detect, respond to and prevent methane leaks in the UAE using satellites, detectors, and drones that contain bacteria that transform methane, and the Plethora team from The Cambridge High School for their work on enhancing methane capture efficiency with The Vortex Grit Removal system.
The Methane Abatement Challenge finalists were carefully selected by a distinguished jury of leading academics and industry experts from Abu Dhabi University.
Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and with the support of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), Young ADIPEC has engaged over 6,000 students from across the UAE since its inception in 2013, inspiring them to pursue rewarding careers in the energy industry.
Dr. Ali bin Harmal Aldhaheri, Chairman and Founder of Abu Dhabi University, said: “Young ADIPEC, through its initiatives, is designed to empower young people, embedding concepts of innovation and sustainability.
"It serves as an ideal platform to foster innovation among youth and create leaders capable of advancing the energy sector competently and efficiently. We are proud to be an academic partner for the Young ADIPEC programme.
"In line with the ADIPEC 2024 theme, ‘Connecting Minds. Transforming Energy.’, Abu Dhabi University works to support, develop and hone the talents of the next generation of energy leaders by instilling a culture of innovation and enhancing their capabilities and competencies.”
This year, Young ADIPEC has introduced three new initiatives to further build youth capacity and connect them with real-world industry opportunities.
Aimed at bridging the gap between classrooms and the energy industry, the new Schools Connect programme delivered a series of hands-on workshops at select schools in the UAE in partnership with Khalifa University.
The interactive learning experiences centred on STEM topics, with themes ranging from sustainability to innovation.
The new Industry Connect programme has secured eight two-week internship opportunities for Young ADIPEC Alumni graduates at leading energy companies, due to start in December 2024. Additionally, the new SANED volunteering programme enables university students to gain professional experience by coordinating sessions, exhibitions and Youth Talks throughout ADIPEC 2024.
Meanwhile, the returning University Connect programme will feature 18 innovation projects tackling the energy industry’s challenges during Young ADIPEC, while the Ambassador Connect initiative will see Young ADIPEC Alumni returning to ADIPEC 2024 as young professionals to inspire this year's participants.
Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, said: “Youth empowerment is central to ADIPEC’s mission, bridging the gap between public sector decision-makers and the collective voice of the next generation. We believe young people are key architects of the energy transition. By placing youth at the heart of discussions, elevating their perspectives and fostering cross-generational dialogue, we create a platform for them to share valuable insights on some of the biggest global challenges today.”
This year, ADIPEC has enhanced its efforts to include and develop the next generation of talent through the launch of its Voices of Tomorrow Conference. The ADIPEC Global Youth Council returns for the second year to amplify the diverse voices of young people from around the globe in the energy transition by actively influencing discussions at ADIPEC 2024.