Energy capital investments in the Arab world will total $685 billion over the next five years, according to a new report.

The report, by the Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (Apicorp), was presented to officials and delegates at the 10th Arab Energy Conference in Abu Dhabi, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Set against the backdrop of continuing regional turmoil, uncertainty in many global and regional economies and a declining oil price, Apicorp's latest Arab Energy Investment Outlook predicted lower investment levels compared to the previous year's report.

It stated that energy sector investments would have dipped even further had it not been for an apparent catch-up effect, particularly evident in the power sector, as well as ever-increasing project costs.

Apicorp's report highlighted the growing divide between the GCC and rest of the Arab region in terms of their credit ratings, and it pinpointed three primary constraints on energy investments.

These were the unrelenting cost of project inflation; the paradoxical scarcity of fuel and feedstock such as natural gas and ethane; and the accessibility of funding, which will be exacerbated if oil prices remain low and below national break-even levels over the long term.

"The energy scene is changing rapidly but we expect oil prices to remain depressed for some time," Apicorp senior consultant and author of the outlook Ali Aissaoui said.

"The general macroeconomic and energy investment climate is already impacting many Arab countries' ability to access the necessary funding for investment in energy related projects, but the lower price of oil will likely be an additional constraint on access to finance.

"While we are not a policy making organisation, given the investment outlook and current constraints, we would propose steps are taken by the relevant authorities to improve the overarching investment climate.

"They should consider methods to reduce the cost of projects and the impact of inflation, address the feedstock scarcity paradox, and promote the full sweep of equity and debt financing options available to the sector," he added.

Apicorp, an investment company was established by 10 member states of the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (Oapec) in 1975, and a sponsor of the 10th Arab Energy Conference, participated in sessions with other industry leaders to discuss energy sector developments under the central theme of "Energy and Arab Cooperation".

"Next year will see Apicorp celebrate its 40th anniversary," Apicorp chief executive and general manager Ahmed Al Nuaimi said.

"Over the past four decades, our efficient and effective equity investments and loans have helped to develop the energy industry in the Middle East and North Africa, enabling this vital sector to make a significant contribution to economic growth and prosperity for the Arab people."

"The Arab Energy Conference has become an important platform for Oapec members and energy sector experts to gather and discuss the current issues and opportunities facing the industry.

"With uncertainty around hydrocarbon futures, many in the region are increasingly looking at alternative sources of energy.

"Apicorp was a regional pioneer in financing renewables and is now helping investors make smart choices as countries in the region increase their energy security.

"We had a lot of interest at this year's conference in our experience in this growth area," he added.

Discussions at the 10th Arab Energy Conference covered current developments in the oil and natural gas markets and their implications for Arab countries, and investment requirements to develop the energy sector in Arab countries highlighting sustainable development.

Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund is a stakeholder in Apicorp, which also operates an offshore banking branch in the kingdom. - TradeArabia News Service