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The 22nd edition of the ERRA Annual Conference will convene on May 5-6 in Muscat, Oman with the key theme of ‘Progressing Energy Transition via Effective Policies and Regulation’.
The opening session of the flagship ERRA conference of 2025 will devote special attention to the Gulf region’s energy sustainability while the entire event will analyse the current key challenges for the advancement of decarbonization in the energy sector.
Policy and regulatory presentations and dialogue will be held on issues such as grid integration and management, cross-border cooperation, markets dynamics and required reforms, role of transition fuels and perspectives for implementation of decarbonized fuels, as well as the future of renewable sources and their support.
For the past reference, please visit the 21st ERRA Annual Conference.
ERRA is grateful to the Sponsor and Host of the Conference: the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) of Oman.
Conference Themes
#ERRAConference2025
For draft Conference Agenda please contact the ERRA Secretariat.
Conference Agenda
- Ms. Andrijana Nelkova-Chuchuk, ERRA Chair; Head of Economic Department, Energy, Water Services and Municipal Waste Management Services Regulatory Commission of North Macedonia
- Ministry of Energy and Minerals., Oman – TBC
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hungary – TBC
The Gulf region is at the crossroads of energy transition. This session will explore how Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are leveraging their unique strengths—including abundant renewable energy resources, cutting-edge technologies, and financial capacity—to advance towards sustainable and diversified energy systems. Discussions will highlight national energy strategies, milestones in clean energy deployment, and the role of public and private sector partnerships. Special focus will be given to the challenges of balancing rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability and how the Gulf's leadership in energy transition can influence global markets.
Session Moderator: TBD
- Mr. Francesco La Camera, Director General, International Renewable Energy Agency – TBC
- Representative of IRENA – TBC
- Representative of the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR), Oman – TBC
- Representative of the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority (SERA) – TBC
- Representative of United Arab Emirates – TBC
- Q&A
As renewable energy becomes a larger part of the energy mix, grid stability and resilience emerge as critical challenges. This session will delve into the complexities of integrating high levels of intermittent renewable energy into the grid while ensuring reliability and security of supply. Experts will share insights on advanced grid management solutions, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration to meet future demand.
Session Moderator: TBD
- Mr. Luca Lo Schiavo, Senior Regulatory Specialist, ERRA
- Mr. Ben Skinner, Specialist, Wholesale Market Reform, Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) – TBC
- Ms. Ann E. Rendahl, Commissioner, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission; First Vice President, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), United States of America – TBC
- Eng. Hisham Al Riyami, General Manager Planning, Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC)
- Ms. Ann E. Rendahl, Commissioner, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission; First Vice President, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), United States of America – TBC
- Ms. Agnes Maria de Aragão da Costa, Director, Brazilian Energy Regulatory Agency (ANEEL), Brazil; Association of the Portuguese-Speaking Energy Regulators (RELOP)
- Speaker TBD
- Q&A
With globalization shaping energy markets, cross-border cooperation has become essential for ensuring energy security, efficiency, and affordability. This session will focus on regional energy trade and market integration initiatives, showcasing the benefits of interconnected systems in enhancing competition and resource optimization. Discussions will explore the regulatory and technical frameworks required to harmonize markets and the lessons learned from successful international projects.
Session Moderator: Ms. Alda Ozola, Chair, Public Utilities Commission, Latvia; ERRA Presidium Member
- Ms. Tatyana Kramskaya, Senior Energy Specialist, Infrastructure Global Unit, World Bank
- Q&A
- Mr. Luis Boscan, Senior Consultant, Ea Energy Analyses, Denmark – TBC
- Mr. Rolands Irklis, Chairman of the Board, AS Augstsprieguma tikls (AST), Latvia
- Mr. Laurent Kocou Rodrigue Tossou, Chairman, ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA)
- Mr. Marko Bislimoski, President, Energy, Water Services and Municipal Waste Management Services Regulatory Commission (ERC), North Macedonia
- Ms. Souad Nassir, Director, National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), Morocco - TBC
- Representative of GCCIA – TBC
- Q&A
Transforming electricity markets is a key enabler of the global energy transition. This session will examine the role of market reforms in creating an environment conducive to renewable energy deployment, technological innovation, and customer-centric solutions. Topics will include modernizing tariff structures, incentivizing investment in clean energy, and redesigning market mechanisms to enhance flexibility and competition.
Session Moderator: TBD
- Dr Firas Al Abduwani, Director General of Renewable Energy and Hydrogen, Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Oman
- Mr. Stephen Woodhouse, Director, AFRY Management Consulting – TBC
- Mr. Guido Bortoni, Chairman of the Board of Directors, CESI SpA, Italy – TBC
- Dr Husam Beides, Practice Manager, MENA Energy, World Bank
- Mr. Jesse Cohen, Associate, Carbon-Free Electricity, RMI, United States of America
- Mr. Volkan Yigit, Managing Partner, APLUS Enerji, Türkiye
- Speaker TBD
- Q&A
- Mr. Pál Ságvári, ERRA Vice-Chair, Vice President for Strategic and International Affairs, Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority (MEKH)
Transition fuels such as natural gas, biofuels and low-carbon hydrogen play a critical role in bridging the gap between traditional fossil-fuel driven economies and the zero-emission system of tomorrow. This session will explore the current and future role of transition fuels in reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy security, and enabling sustainable development. Special attention will be given to natural gas as an important fuel driving the GCC economies. Discussions will focus on the benefits, challenges, and technologies surrounding transition fuels, and how they fit into long-term strategies for a net-zero future.
Session Moderator: Mr. Abdulwahhab Al Hinai, General Counsel, Legal OQ (Oman Oil Company), ERRA Strategic Advisory Board Member
- Mr. Paul James Pickering, Regional Manager, EPRI International Inc. – TBC
- Dr Michael Thomadakis, Director of Strategy and Development Division, Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator (DESFA), Greece – TBC
- Eng. Abdul Aziz Al Shidhani, Managing Director, Hydrom Oman
- Mr. Paul James Pickering, Regional Manager, EPRI International Inc. – TBC
- Dr Michael Thomadakis, Director of Strategy and Development Division, Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator (DESFA), Greece – TBC
- Ms. Wassila Atimene, President, Electricity and Gas Regulatory Commission (CREG), Algeria - TBC
- OQAE Oman – TBC
- Q&A
Support schemes are instrumental in accelerating the adoption and integration of renewable energy sources. This session will provide insights into the diverse range of financial incentives, policy frameworks, and market mechanisms that support renewable energy deployment worldwide. Special attention will be given to competitive instruments that provide reasonable levels of support while safeguarding market confidence such as Contracts for Difference (CfDs). Experts will discuss lessons learnt from early days of support for RES, and highlight the current challenges in fostering investment, enhancing grid stability, and encouraging technological advancements.
Session Moderator: Mr. Ardian Berisha, ERRA Training Expert, Managing Consultant, Optima Energy Consulting
- Mr. Ardian Berisha, ERRA Training Expert, Managing Consultant, Optima Energy Consulting
- Mr. Ivan Faucheux, Commissioner, Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), France
- Dr Nadia Horstmann, Head of Section, International Relations, Bundesnetzagentur (BNetzA), Germany; Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER)
- Dr Harald Proidl, Director Renewables and Energy Efficiency, E-Control, Austria
- Mr. Ivan Faucheux, Commissioner, Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), France
- Dr Nadia Horstmann, Head of Section, International Relations, Bundesnetzagentur (BNetzA), Germany; Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER)
- Dr Harald Proidl, Director Renewables and Energy Efficiency, E-Control, Austria
- Q&A
First Confirmed Conference Speakers
Firas
Al-Abduwani
Director General of Renewable Energy and Hydrogen, Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Oman
Hisham
Al Riyamiz
General Manager Planning, Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC)
Abdulwahhab
Al Hinai
General Counsel, Legal OQ (Oman Oil Company), ERRA Strategic Advisory Board Member
Registration
Conference Delegate Pass
Registration is subject to review and approval. Your participation is not confirmed until approval is received from the organisers.
Venue/ Logistics
Oman Convention & Exhibition Center
Madinat Al Irfan, Airport Heights, Muscat, Oman
Visa
Visitors from more than 100 countries and regions are exempt from entry visas for stays up to 14 days. For more information please visit the website of the Foreign Ministry of Oman.
Hotels nearby
Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC****
Address: Madinat Al Irfan, Airport Heights, 113 Muscat | Find on map
walking distance, OCEC precinct
Room reservation link >>> | Negotiated room rates: OMR 49 (approx. 122 EUR)/ person/ night incl. breakfast and taxes
Radisson Collection Muscat, Hormuz Grand*****
Address: 111 Al Matar St, 128 Muscat | Find on map
approx. 11 mins by car from OCEC
Room reservation link >>> | Negotiated room rates: OMR 45 (approx. 113 EUR)/ person/ night incl. breakfast and taxes
Mövenpick Hotel and Apartments Ghala Muscat*****
Address: Al Maaridh Street, Ghala Heights Complex, Adjacent to Sultan Qaboos St, 111 Muscat | Find on map
approx. 12 mins by car from OCEC
Room reservation link >>> | Negotiated room rates: OMR 52 (approx. 129 EUR)/ person/ night incl. breakfast and taxes
Novotel Muscat Airport****
Address: Al Maardih Street Seeb, 111 Muscat | Find on map
approx. 11 mins by car from OCEC
Room reservation link >>> | Negotiated room rates: OMR 33 (approx. 83 EUR)/ person/ night incl. breakfast and taxes
More options are expected and will be added to the list.