The third edition of the World Utilities Congress is underway in Abu Dhabi, uniting global ministers, CEOs and industry pioneers to address critical challenges in energy transitions, grid modernization, and water security.
Under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the congress serves as a platform for leaders across the utilities value chain to accelerate progress towards a secure and sustainable future.
Notably, the World Utilities Congress this year is co-located with the 6th Arab Water Forum.
UAE addresses key sector challenges
Commenting on how the UAE addresses energy and water challenges during the World Utilities Congress, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, explained that in collaboration with the private sector, the ministry invested AED150 billion locally, of which AED45 billion went to renewable energy projects. “We plan to invest another AED500 billion in the overall energy sector over the next 30 years to deliver our net-zero target,” Al Mazrouei added.
The UAE’s solar energy accounts for 6GW, wind for 110MW, and nuclear energy for 5.6GW, making its grid the cleanest in the Middle East in terms of carbon intensity. “In 2023, the share of clean energy reached 27.8 percent of the energy mix, and we target over 30 percent by 2030,” he added.
The ministry also doubled the renewable capacity since 2019 and plans to triple it to over 14GW of renewable energy by 2030. In water desalination, the UAE also managed to cut the cost by 75 percent when it adopted the best-in-class RO technologies compared with the thermal process.
Turning climate pledges into actionable outcomes
The World Utilities Congress hosted a ministerial panel under the title: ‘From COP28 to COP29: Fast-Tracking Climate Action from Pledges to Reality’. This panel brought together global ministers to discuss the mechanisms countries need to turn climate pledges into actionable outcomes.
Ministers from around the world discussed the policies, plans and goals they are implementing in their respective countries, highlighting the importance of creating incentives for the private sector and the public in order to promote the use of renewable energy.
The World Utilities Congress also convened international industry leaders who advanced the dialogue in worldwide cross-industry collaboration. The Global Leadership Panel titled ‘Industry Leadership on the Road to 2030 and Beyond (UNEZA)’ hosted top executives including Luc Rémont, chairman and CEO of EDF.
During the session, Rémont said: “Meeting the ambitious targets for 2030 requires cooperation at every level. By fostering partnerships across borders and industries, we can ensure that the utilities sector plays a leading role in delivering a sustainable energy future.”
Read: UAE’s investment in clean energy reaches over $12.25 billion, says minister Al Mazrouei
Safeguarding water security
Water security also took center stage during the World Utilities Congress’s Global Leadership Panel where Sabrina Soussan, chairman and CEO of SUEZ, and other experts addressed the pressing issue of water scarcity.
“Tackling water scarcity is not just an environmental challenge, it is a social imperative. By advancing innovative solutions and working together globally, we can secure water resources for future generations,” stated Soussan.
Throughout the three-day event, the innovation showcase features cutting-edge technologies and new products from international exhibitors. This showcase is a hub of creativity, offering a platform for startups and established players alike to present solutions that will shape the future of the utilites industry.
The World Utilities Congress 2024 will continue until September 18, providing a vital forum for industry leaders to share insights, collaborate on solutions, and advance progress towards a sustainable and resilient utilities future.
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