Saudi Energy Ministry Inks MoU with IEF, OSP Secures Clean‑Cooking Deals

Ministry of Energy signs MoU with International Energy Forum

The Ministry of Energy announced on Monday that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Energy Forum to boost cooperation across the energy sector. The signing was witnessed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, who holds the portfolios of Energy and Industry and Mineral Resources. The ministry was represented by Faisal Al‑Mousa, Director General of the General Department for Clean Hydrocarbon Technologies Support, while the forum was represented by its Secretary General, Jassim Al‑Shirawi.

The memorandum sets out a framework for joint work in areas such as advancing sustainable practices in clean energy and related technologies, cooperating on climate‑change mitigation, and applying the Circular Carbon Economy approach together with the Regional CCE Cooperation Initiative. It also covers climate‑related outreach at regional and international levels. The agreement is intended to deepen the forum’s engagement with the Regional CCE Cooperation Initiative, maintain dialogue and build on existing research, including the IEF report “Empowering Sustainable Futures: MENA NDCs Climate Action”, which evaluates progress on nationally determined contributions and offers a comprehensive regional view of climate action in the Middle East and North Africa.

OSP concludes clean‑cooking agreements with Sierra Leone and a US foundation

On the same day, the Oil Sustainability Program signed two separate instruments: a memorandum of understanding with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Energy on sustainable energy access, and an agreement with the U.S. Bettering Human Lives Foundation to deliver clean cooking solutions using liquefied petroleum gas. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman attended both signings.

The Sierra Leone MoU was signed by OSP Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Al‑Tayyar and the country’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Abdul Rahman Jalloh. It establishes a framework for cooperation on sustainable initiatives and practices, including exploring renewable‑energy projects, promoting hydrocarbon‑based solutions for transport infrastructure and fuels, and expanding access to clean cooking. The parties will develop and implement integrated plans to widen clean‑cooking energy supply, covering LPG and renewable options, and will raise awareness of how clean cooking supports the Sustainable Development Goals. The cooperation aims to strengthen international ties and facilitate greater investment in clean‑cooking fuels, technologies and associated value chains, and to help households in Sierra Leone obtain electricity support, energy‑efficiency certificates, LPG and other cooking solutions through a collaborative partnership.

The agreement with the Bettering Human Lives Foundation was signed by Mohammed Al‑Tayyar and the foundation’s Executive Director, Anne Hyre. It seeks to strengthen cooperation between the two sides and to explore a strategic partnership by aligning priorities and examining possible implementation frameworks that serve mutual interests. The deal also looks at integrated projects that could grow the LPG market, support women‑led community initiatives, and promote safety awareness and trust‑building to encourage the adoption and continued use of clean fuels. Areas of work include identifying opportunities to expand the LPG ecosystem, exchanging knowledge and expertise, assessing solutions suited to end‑users and target communities, and raising awareness of the initiative. Engagement with local and international regulatory perspectives will be pursued through studies, workshops, roundtables, seminars and multilateral conferences.

Signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the WPC Energy Congress

The signings took place on the sidelines of the 25th World Petroleum Congress Energy Congress, which Saudi Arabia hosted through October 15 as part of Energy Week in Riyadh. The event was attended by the Minister of Energy and the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.