Abu Dhabi To Host World Utilities Congress 2024 For Sustainable Energy And Water Solutions

The 3rd World Utilities Congress, hosted by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), will be held from 16th-18th September 2024 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. This event is under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Electricity, Water, and Future Energy Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasised the importance of this congress. He stated, "The World Utilities Congress 2024, hosted in Abu Dhabi, will be a valuable opportunity to exchange expertise and knowledge with a host of experts from across the globe. It will highlight latest technologies and innovative solutions for challenges related to sustainability of the water and electricity sectors, which will support our national and international efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals."

This year's theme is "Enabling a Secure and Sustainable Utilities Future," supported by several key organisations including the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC). The congress aims to foster collaboration among decision-makers and industry leaders to promote sustainable utilities.

Jasim Husain Thabet, Group CEO and Managing Director of TAQA, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the event. He said, "TAQA is pleased to host the World Utilities Congress 2024, which is closely aligned with the company’s drive to provide cleaner, more sustainable power and water. This event is crucial for fostering partnerships and technologies that enable the industry, enhance efficiencies and reduce carbon emissions."

TAQA will introduce an Innovation Pavilion where start-ups can present new ideas supporting a lower-carbon future. Additionally, TAQA will host a CEO Roundtable in partnership with the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA) to discuss supply chain constraints. The outcomes will shape UNEZA's high-level statement at New York Climate Week.

Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, highlighted the significance of utilities in daily life and economic activity. He remarked, "Utilities are a critical industry, providing the world the power and water needed for our daily lives and economic activity. It is also an industry that is strongly impacted by climate change and global energy transitions, which is why we are so pleased to organise the World Utilities Congress 2024 with a mission of serving as a catalyst to create a secure and clean energy future."

Strategic Conference

The congress will feature a strategic conference aimed at fostering collaboration among ministers, CEOs, policymakers, and industry experts. This forum will accelerate policies and technologies necessary to decarbonise energy and water systems for a net-zero utility sector.

The event will also include over 110 sessions with more than 280 global speakers. Participants include 18 energy ministers and over 1,400 conference delegates. These sessions aim to address various aspects of sustainability in utilities.

Arab Water Forum Co-location

The World Utilities Congress 2024 will be co-located with the 6th Arab Water Forum organised by the Arab Water Council. Supported by the League of Arab States, this forum addresses shared issues around water scarcity impacting multiple sectors including utilities.

The congress expects over 12,000 professionals from across power and water utilities sectors globally. It aims to showcase advancements in technology, research, technical services, product solutions aimed at reducing carbon emissions while optimising costs.

TAQA will also host the annual meeting of the V94.3A Gas Turbine User Group during this congress. This group consists of owners and operators from power generation plants using V94.3A gas turbines in MENA and APAC regions.

The event provides an environment conducive for networking among companies showcasing solutions aimed at enhancing business performance through increased efficiencies.

The Ministry's ongoing commitment includes adopting advanced technologies to enhance UAE’s global position as a leader in sustainability aligning with wise leadership’s vision for sustainable development.

With inputs from WAM