Abu Dhabi Energy And Water Forum 2023: Advancing Sustainable Solutions For Future Growth

The Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Forum, hosted by the Department of Energy (DoE), gathered senior officials and representatives from various government and private organisations. Key participants included the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), Masdar, Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), Tabreed, and others. The forum aimed to enhance communication and cooperation among stakeholders in the energy sector.

Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, DoE Chairman, emphasised the forum's role as a platform for dialogue and coordination between public and private entities. He stated: "This forum serves as a crucial new platform organised by the Department to support communication and cooperation among key stakeholders in the sector, aligning with our endeavours to realise the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Strategy 2050." This strategy aims to ensure supply security, sustainable growth, and infrastructure development.

Abu Dhabi is making significant strides in renewable energy adoption. Currently, renewable sources comprise 45% of its energy mix. This transition strengthens its global position in clean energy efforts. Dr. Al Jarwan noted that these advancements motivate continued pursuit of ambitious goals to meet future energy demands. He also highlighted progress in water desalination through reverse osmosis technology, expected to supply 80% of water by 2030 while reducing carbon emissions by 60%.

Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, DoE Undersecretary, underscored the forum's importance in achieving sustainable growth under wise leadership. He stressed collaboration across sectors as vital for balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Sharing expertise among participants was deemed crucial for devising effective solutions for future challenges.

Jasim Husain Thabet, CEO of TAQA, remarked on UAE's leadership in clean energy solutions. He said: "The UAE is at the forefront of advancing clean energy solutions, and TAQA is proud to play a key role in driving this transformation." TAQA focuses on sustainable energy across power generation, transmission, distribution, wastewater treatment, and reuse.

Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi from Masdar highlighted the forum's role in enhancing public-private cooperation. He stated: "The Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Forum represents a vital and important platform to enhance cooperation between public and private sector organisations." Masdar remains committed to developing renewable energy through strategic partnerships.

Technological Innovation

The forum explored six key themes through workshops featuring speakers from participating organisations. These themes included maximising economic value from energy sectors, expediting clean energy transitions, designing comprehensive strategies for resource sustainability, digital transformation using AI, promoting policies for investment incentives, and strengthening collaboration between government institutions and private sectors.

Mohamed Al Hammadi from ENEC emphasised nuclear energy's role in UAE's clean electricity generation. He said: "Sustainable energy and water resources are vital to the UAE’s prosperity." Nuclear power accounts for 75% of UAE's clean electricity generation per capita globally over five years.

Future Vision

Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri from EAD highlighted efforts towards climate change strategy goals like reducing carbon emissions by 22% by 2027. She said: "This forum serves as a platform that brings together stakeholders from the energy and water sectors." EAD focuses on groundwater use efficiency improvement alongside monitoring air pollutants.

Dr Yousif Al Hammadi from Tabreed praised DoE’s leadership in fostering public-private collaboration towards Net Zero 2050 Strategy goals. He noted: "Tabreed highly values the Department of Energy’s leadership in enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors." The forum showcased advancements addressing district cooling potential challenges essential for community progress.

The event concluded with Dr Abdulla Humaid Saif Al Jarwan stressing future success depends on balancing economic sustainability with innovative solutions addressing global challenges. He invited industry leaders worldwide to join Abu Dhabi’s vision as a reliable partner offering opportunities ensuring dignified existence securing prosperity for generations ahead.

With inputs from WAM