World Utilities Congress 2024 Addresses Energy Transition And Water Security Challenges

The World Utilities Congress is currently taking place in Abu Dhabi, uniting global leaders to tackle energy transition, grid modernisation, and water security. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the event coincides with the 6th Arab Water Forum. This gathering aims to accelerate progress towards a sustainable future.

The congress commenced with an opening ceremony attended by VIPs and global CEOs. Keynote speakers included Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Jasim Husain Thabet, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA); Mahmoud Abu-Zeid, President of the Arab Water Council; and Professor Loic Fauchon, President of the World Water Council.

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei highlighted UAE's efforts in energy and water challenges. "Together with the private sector, we invested AED150 billion locally, of which AED45 billion was invested in renewable energy projects. And we plan to invest another AED500 billion in the overall energy sector over the next 30 years to deliver our net-zero target," he stated.

Al Mazrouei also noted that solar energy contributes 6GW, wind 110MW, and nuclear 5.6GW to UAE's grid. This makes it the cleanest in terms of carbon intensity in the Middle East. In 2023, clean energy made up 27.8% of the mix, aiming for over 30% by 2030.

The congress featured a Ministerial Panel titled ‘From COP28 to COP29: Fast-Tracking Climate Action from Pledges to Reality.’ Global ministers discussed turning climate pledges into reality. Dr. Sao-Kpato Hannah Isatta Max-Kyne from Sierra Leone and Dr. William F. Duguid from Barbados shared policies promoting renewable energy use.

Another panel titled ‘Industry Leadership on the Road to 2030 and Beyond (UNEZA)’ included top executives like Jasim Husain Thabet and Mohamed Al Hammadi from ENEC. Luc Rémont from EDF said, "Meeting the ambitious targets for 2030 requires cooperation at every level."

Water Security Discussions

Water security was a key topic at a Global Leadership Panel featuring Sabrina Soussan from SUEZ. She emphasised that addressing water scarcity is crucial not only environmentally but socially as well. "By advancing innovative solutions and working together globally, we can secure water resources for future generations," Soussan remarked.

The Technical Conference focused on innovations in clean technology and power generation. Engineers shared advancements in energy efficiency and carbon capture technologies aimed at supporting a low-carbon future for utilities.

Innovation Showcase

An Innovation Showcase is part of the event, displaying cutting-edge technologies from international exhibitors. It provides a platform for start-ups and established companies to present solutions that will shape the utilities industry's future.

The World Utilities Congress will continue until 18th September, offering industry leaders a forum to share insights and collaborate on solutions for a sustainable utilities future.

With inputs from WAM