Naimi also said "We believe that, from the point of view of the producing nations, a gap exists in energy research that needs to be filled. This requires the creation of a world-class center which views energy issues from all perspectives, especially from the perspective of a country that is one of the world's major energy producers and consumers. This Center will be uniquely positioned to study the Kingdom's energy sector and develop critical insights into local energy production and consumption trends." "The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center will address these issues in a scientific manner which is in harmony with the strategic structure of the Kingdom's energy sector. It is, as you know, our long-held belief that stability of energy supplies and related operations is essential for both the Kingdom's own economic development and that of the world at large. The objective of this Center is to make valuable contributions in the area of knowledge and strategic analysis through which policy makers, here in the Kingdom and abroad, can tackle the challenges of energy and future environment," the minister said. "Historically, the Kingdom has been largely an end-user of energy research and analysis. We have not, to date, generated the same level of remarkable and distinguished research and analysis that is commensurate with our global significance as a nation. We have invested heavily over the years in expanding our productive capacity, helping meet growing global energy demand and developing all areas of our petroleum industry. Today we must also focus on upgrading our indigenous analytical skills and enhancing our intellectual knowledge of the effective, stimulating forces driving the energy industry here and around the world," the minister added. "Today, we see the beginnings of a strong research institution that can carefully assess the global and domestic energy sectors. It will contribute valuable perspectives and knowledge, including on the future role of oil, the use of renewable energy sources, environmental protection and issues related to the environment and its relationship to energy. It will also look at the significance of new technologies and research on such various issues, to the international energy dialogue. The Center will remain a completely independent organization legally, functionally and financially. This independence will be the basis of the Center's future success. The Center will need everybody's help and support in its activities; we need your engagement, your insights, and your ideas for the interest of the Kingdom and the world at large," Eng. Al-Naimi said.
