ERNEST Moniz, former US Secretary of Energy, has described the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) as having an important role to play in addressing global and local energy challenges and supporting Saudi Vision 2030's focus on a knowledge and innovation economy. During his visit to the Center, Moniz, a founding member of KAPSARC's Board of Trustees, received an update on recent research and publications, met with the Center's President Nadhmi Al-Nasr and held an open discussion with researchers. Moniz spoke about the importance of studying the economic impacts of technology innovations, encouraging private sector investment in the field of renewable energy and increasing renewable energy resources in the Kingdom to reach future goals. KAPSARC is dedicated to independent research into energy economics, policy, technology and the environment, across all types of energy. The center is focused on finding solutions for the most effective and productive use of energy to enable economic and social progress in the region and across the globe.