STRATEGIC CONFERENCE THEMES
Electrification and new disruptive sources of demand
Low carbon technologies at the forefront the energy transition agenda
Policies, partnerships, and forward-looking pathways to drive energy transition
Solutions to rapidly accelerate grid infrastructure investment and development
Enhancing energy efficiency and reducing scope 1 to 3 emissions across the value chain
Mobilising capital to fast-track projects
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan
President and Chief Executive Officer
UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA)
Suhail Bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei
Minister of Energy and Infrastructure
United Arab Emirates
Chairman, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy
United Arab Emirates
Minister of Energy
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs
Kingdom of Bahrain
Minister of Infrastructure and Energy
Albania
Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy
Egypt
Minister for Economic Affairs
Finland
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Hungary
Minister of Energy
Uzbekistan
Minister of Energy and Water
Lebanon
First Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development
Georgia
Group CEO & Managing Director.
TAQA
Managing Director & CEO
Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation
CEO
28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28)
Chairman & CEO
EDF
Chairman, President and CEO
Baker Hughes
CEO
Masdar
Director General
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Director General
World Nuclear Association
Managing Director & CEO
SWS
CEO
Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)
CEO
EDF Renewables
CEO
TRANSCO
Chairman and CEO
EDF
Deputy Director-General
IRENA
CEO
Abu Dhabi Energy Services (ADES)
CTO
ACWA Power
Founder & CEO
DLO Energy Resources Group Pty Ltd
CEO
Marafiq
CEO
Tabreed
CEO
Dalkia, an EDF Group subsidiary
Founder and CEO
Octopus Energy Group
CEO
Oman Water & Wastewater Services Company
CEO
Copperleaf
CEO
Enova
CEO
Yellow Door Energy
CEO
SirajPower
CONFERENCE AGENDA
Monday 16 September 2024
Tuesday 17 September 2024
Wednesday 18 September 2024
Topics:
POWER
GENERATION RENEWABLES WATER
ENERGY TRANSITION
10:00 - 11:00
Opening Ceremony
11:30 - 12:15
From COP28 to COP29: fast-tracking climate action from pledges to reality
Ministerial Session
At COP28, the call to transition from fossil fuels rang clear. While the UAE Consensus’ push to move away from fossil fuels is a vital mile stone, implementing the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge will be critical in accelerating climate action. Ensuring a just and equitable transition that is rapidly scaled up will require significant investment and policy support, public-private partnerships, and the development of transparent plans encompassing electrification and grid infrastructure, emissions reduction, decarbonisation of heavy industries, demand side management as well as security of supply, and industrial competitiveness. In addition, ensuring water security and resilience of the water ecosystem will be critical, particularly for countries already impacted by climate change and water scarcity challenges.
Attendee Insights
As the global shift towards sustainable energy sources accelerates, establishing tangible mechanisms to actualise the commitments made at COP will be crucial. Global ministers will discuss these mechanisms and pave the way for transforming pledges into concrete actions.
Moderator:
Matthew Timms
Advisor
Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC)
Panelist:
His Excellency Suhail Bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei
Minister of Energy and Infrastructure
United Arab Emirates
Addressing the themes
Electrification and new disruptive sources of demand
Low carbon technologies and digital innovation at the forefront the energy transition agenda
Mobilising capital to fast-track projects
Policies and partnerships for utilities of tomorrow
Modernising transmission and distribution infrastructure
12:00 - 12:45
Utilities for net-zero
Impact Matters
Utilities play a crucial role in the global transformation of the energy sector. To unlock the potential of utilities to contribute to the global energy transition, it is essential to identify and tackle the existing structural, regulatory, and financial barriers and challenges that may hinder progress. The path to net-zero will be paved by deploying clean energy solutions, transforming grid infrastructure for future readiness, large-scale build out of interconnections, storage solutions, improved demand-side management, and the integration of new technologies. At COP28, major utility companies announced the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA), to accelerate energy transition and address the current challenges facing the utilities sector. This session will focus on UNEZA’s decarbonisation agenda including capital mobilisation, de-risking and addressing supply chain bottlenecks, capabilities and talent building, and engagement with policymakers and regulators.
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch & Networking
14:00 - 14:45
Decoupling growth from emissions
Global Leadership Panel
The transition to net-zero requires a significant scale-up of clean power, leveraging active cross-sector partnerships and participation from stakeholders across the energy value and supply chain. High dependency on fossil fuels, low energy efficiency, and limited renewable energy uptake pose substantial economic and transition risks. However, by adopting an integrated approach across generation, infrastructure, and customer solutions, utilities will play a pivotal role in the drive toward net-zero. For utilities to balance business and climate agenda, it will be imperative to tackle scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions to ensure decarbonisation efforts are rampant while ensuring continued affordable energy supply is scaled to meet rising demand.
14:45 - 15:30
Tripling renewable energy capacity: from ambition to action
Ministerial Panel
According to the IEA and IRENA forecasts, to limit warming to 1.5°C, the world requires three times more renewable energy capacity by 2030. While a growing number of countries have made considerable progress on their renewables goals, this decade will be crucial for accelerated deployment of renewables and will need increased international cooperation, ambitious policies, low-emission technologies, long duration storage solutions, increased investments, and diversified sources of supply.
15:30 - 16:00
Water-energy trade agreements: partnerships for sustainable operations
Impact Matters
In 2023, ADNOC and TAQA announced a strategic investment project worth up to $2.4 billion to provide sustainable water supply for ADNOC’s onshore operations. The project will enhance energy efficiency by up to 30% by replacing current high-salinity, deep aquifer water systems, reduce ADNOC’s environmental footprint, utilising 100% clean energy power for operations. This session will gather project leaders from ADNOC and TAQA to share their insights on the project and how it addresses immediate water needs, contributes to long-term water security, and balances the economic, environmental and energy aspects.
16:00 - 16:45
Carbon pricing for the power sector: challenges and opportunities
Global Leadership Panel
Achieving net-zero goals and ambitious decarbonisation targets for the power sector will require a basket of policy instruments. Carbon pricing can be a powerful instrument to drive power sector decarbonisation. It can also help to unlock the trillions of dollars in private capital needed to reach emissions reduction targets. Carbon trade is experiencing rapid growth, providing a solution for hard-to-abate sectors to accelerate decarbonisation beyond value chain mitigation. Over time, carbon pricing will provide companies with an incentive to invest in cleaner resources. Challenges around equity, pricing and policy inconsistency will need to be addressed.
Topics:
WATER HYDROGEN AI
TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION
10:00 - 10:45
Unlocking low-carbon hydrogen to enable net-zero pathways
Ministerial session
Low-carbon hydrogen can contribute to emissions reductions of as much as 6% of global greenhouse gases between 2021-2050, according to the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions scenario. At COP28, 39 countries endorsed the UAE Hydrogen Declaration of Intent, establishing a shared certification framework to support investment decisions and trade of low carbon hydrogen. However, establishing a mature, global market for low-carbon hydrogen will require scaling up investments, developing shared adoption of standards, build new and upgrade existing infrastructure, and scale deployment of renewable capacity.
SPEAKER
Matthew Timms
Advisor
Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC)
Laurent Longuet
CEO
SirajPower
10:45 - 11:30
Safeguarding water security
Ministerial session
The utilities sector faces a critical challenge in ensuring water security amidst climate change. Reports from the UN and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasise the urgent need to address water security challenges. According to the Global Water Partnership, substantial capital investments of up to $114 billion per year are needed to meet with rising challenges. To address the severity of the water scarcity crisis, the pace of technological innovation must be accelerated. Global cross-sector cooperation along with consistent investments will be key to ensure water security in the region and the world.
11:30 - 12:30
Megabytes to megawatts: driving innovation and efficiency in power generation
Global Leadership Panel
According to IEA & IRENA forecasts, to meet decarbonisation targets, the industry must double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements from around 2% to over 4% every year until 2030. Leveraging forward-thinking strategies and technology, power producers are optimising energy operations, enhancing grid management, and enabling predictive maintenance. To accelerate innovation, collaboration between energy companies, technology firms and startups is essential. Large scale adoption of technologies like AI, blockchain, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) can optimise how power is generated, transmitted, and consumed.
12:30 - 13:00
Decarbonising heavy industries
Industry Dialogue
Accounting for approximately 22% of global CO2 emissions, heavy industries are under pressure to adopt sustainable practices. COP28 saw the launch of the Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA), a $30 million financial alliance that will accelerate decarbonisation opportunities at scale across heavy-emitting sectors. Low-carbon technologies need to be deployed at scale to reduce emissions. The global market for these low-carbon industrial technologies is expected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2030, reflecting the increasing demand for sustainability. Electrification will also be crucial to accelerate progress.
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch & Networking
14:00 - 14:30
Aligning policies to unlock the potential of district cooling in the GCC
Industry Dialogue
District cooling has the potential to provide a viable solution to meet air conditioning requirements in the GCC. Low energy requirement, peak saving potential, eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness are major hallmarks of district cooling networks. It also plays a vital role in fostering sustainable development in the GCC. Apart from providing cooling needs, district cooling can reduce the need for new power plants, decrease fossil fuel requirements and substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the region. How can governments incorporate district cooling into urban planning, and perhaps take an active role in its provision?
14:30 - 15:15
Small modular solutions: nuclear for 21st century grid operations
Global Leadership Panel
At COP28, over 20 nations pledged to triple nuclear power capacity by 2050, recognising the key role of nuclear energy in achieving global net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and keeping the 1.5-degree goal within reach. Nuclear energy is already the second-largest source of clean dispatchable baseload power. The IEA analysis shows nuclear power more than doubling from 2020 to 2050 in global net-zero emissions by 2050 scenarios and also warns that decreasing nuclear power would make reaching net-zero more difficult and costly. New nuclear technologies could occupy a small land footprint and can be sited where needed. Nuclear energy can complement renewable sources and replace fossil fuels to combat intermittency challenges. However, to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, development of SMRs and advanced reactors for power generation as well as wider industrial applications is crucial.
15:15 - 15:45
Waste to wealth: driving sustainability through circular economy practices
Industry Dialogue
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that waste-to-energy (WtE) will power 20% of global electricity needs by 2050. However, challenges in energy and resource recovery, environmental impact, and alignment with circular economy principles persist. Utilities can lead the way towards a greener future by harnessing waste-to-energy and promoting sustainability through resource recovery and energy generation. The transformation of waste into revenue and circular economy practices will play a pivotal role in driving sustainability and ramping decarbonisation efforts of utilities.
15:45 - 16:30
Mobilising the trillions: attracting investments to build climate resilience
Global Leadership Panel
The financial sector can play a major role in helping to facilitate and deploy the significant capital investment the energy transition will require. The finance system is integrating net-zero with new financing commitments and mechanisms. However, a $41 trillion funding gap remains. Mobilising investments into the sector will require businesses to navigate climate finance complexities and adopt innovative approaches. COP28 saw more than $80 billion in climate finance commitments from countries, development banks, private sources, and philanthropists. The industry must significantly scale adaptation finance, to meet urgent and evolving needs.
Topics:
FINANCE DIGITAL
MARKETS TALENT DEVELOPMENT
TRANSFORMATION CARBON
10:00 - 10:45
Improving operational efficiency and security
Global Panel Discussion
Digital innovations are reshaping operations across power, water, gas, and district cooling systems. Utilities will gain unparalleled leverage in converging their IT and Operational technology digital twins, edge computing, and advanced cybersecurity measures to mitigate cybersecurity crisis and drive sustainable practices.
10:45 - 11:15
Forging a sustainable regulatory roadmap
Industry Dialogue
Navigating the utilities sector’s regulatory landscape is key to achieving a sustainable future. This will require aligning policies with evolving energy needs and technological advancements. Strategies to enhance grid resilience, address extreme weather challenges, and adapt to changing energy landscapes are necessary.
11:15 - 11:45
Driving ESG transformation with innovation, transparency, and accountability
Impact Matters
ESG reporting continues to be at the top of the executive agenda. ESG and sustainable finance are important to promote sustainable and responsible practices, and mitigate risks associated with climate change. In 2024, the evolution of ESG initiatives will transcend compliance, and usher an era of entrepreneurial sustainability. Transformative trends of circular business models, climate solutions, and social justice, will play a central role in business decisions, particularly in the power, water, gas, and district cooling industries. It remains to be seen how businesses will leverage these trends beyond corporate compliance and drive real impact and change.
11:45 - 12:30
Enhancing grid reliability
Global Leadership Panel
Unpredictable power surges pose great threats to communities and economic advancement. Enhancing grid reliability and modernising core infrastructure is crucial. Operators need to prioritise investments wisely to maximise current assets for future demands. Infrastructure modernisation, upgrading of aging assets, and integration of smart technologies and advanced systems will play an important role in enhancing grid
reliability.
12:30 - 13:30
LUNCH & NETWORKING
13:30 - 14:15
Combatting intermittency challenges with utility-scale battery and long duration storage solutions
Global Leadership Panel
Investment in renewable energy is skyrocketing, along with market for utility-scale battery and long-duration storage solutions, which will play a crucial role in addressing intermittent power supply. According to the IEA, grid-scale battery storage must reach 970 GW by 2030 to support global net-zero goals, nearly doubling current projections. Long-duration energy storage and similar technologies can continue supply energy when renewable generation faces intermittency and curtailment issues. However, a challenging regulatory landscape and circularity issues are the biggest challenges the storage industry needs to overcome for large scale adoption and deployment of storage solutions.
14:15 - 15:00
Race to zero: driving sustainability in urban mobility
Global Leadership Panel
The current landscape of cities is changing, necessitating the need to transition their transportation systems towards more sustainable options including electric vehicles, and develop widespread public transport networks accessible to all. This transition will require large investments into building charging infrastructure and converting existing fleets. The CASE (connected, autonomous, shared, electrification) revolution is ushering in a new era of mobility solutions aimed at providing more innovative modes of sustainable transportation. However, challenges around investment and funding and transition to electrification persist. Public-private partnerships will play a key role in bridging these gaps.
15:00 - 15:30
Fostering talent for an evolving energy landscape
Industry Dialogue
As the energy sector transitions towards diverse low-carbon sources and technologies, utilities are faced with nurturing a skilled workforce that can support this shift. There is a huge demand for specialists with deep expertise in newer domains as well as generalists with flexible skills to complement digital transformation. In order to enable an effective energy transition, utilities must attract and retain talent with the right skills. However, attracting talent amidst intense competition requires comprehensive strategies beyond singular solutions. Utilities need to couple reskilling and professional development programs with strong well-being initiatives and commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Leading organisations are embedding holistic approaches through social responsibility commitments and consistent actions reflecting core values. Organisations and leaders who demonstrate establishing an inclusive culture that empowers next-generation talents will be best positioned to mobilise a workforce capable of navigating the changing energy landscape.
15:30 - 16:00
Adopting customer-centric approach
Industry Dialogue
Utilities are recognising that customers now view them not merely as service providers but as partners empowering sustainable choices. As the energy sector undergoes rapid transformation, utilities are supporting new technologies that enable dynamic demand response and mobility electrification through strategic partnerships. To elevate customer experience, it is paramount for utilities providers to comprehend shifting needs and behaviours. Close monitoring of emerging preferences can reveal opportunities to supplement traditional grid services with customised solutions fostering energy efficiency and savings. An understanding of an evolving customer base is vital for utilities seeking to solidify their relevance in tomorrow’s distributed energy ecosystem.
Monday 16 September 2024
Tuesday 17 September 2024
Wednesday 18 September 2024
The congress was an important event on the road to COP28. It gathered all key stakeholders of the utility sector and provided a great opportunity for pragmatic dialogue and joint action. I was happy to highlight the essential role of nuclear energy to bring socio-economic prosperity and decarbonize the entire economy, including electricity, heat and fresh water, at a time when it is clear that we will not reach net-zero target without bringing all hands on deck.
Dr. Sama Bilbao y León
Director General
World Nuclear Association, United Kingdom
The World Utilities Congress was a melting pot of intellect, innovation, and inspiration. It provided a platform to engage in vibrant discussions sharing expertise and strategizing alongside the titans of the industry.
Hebah Abbas
Sustainability Committee Chairwoman
Kuwait Water Association
The World Utilities Congress is a great way for leaders from both the public and private sectors to meet, share insights and discuss ways to collaborate. I enjoyed the opportunity to speak about how businesses can decarbonise their operations. Together, we can progress towards net-zero.
Jeremy Crane
CEO
Yellow Door Energy
“It gives me great pleasure to chair the 2024 Technical Committee for the World Utilities Congress and contribute to shaping the technical sessions that will support the industry’s energy transition.
The Technical Conference focuses on discussing both the obstacles and prospects within the utilities sector, emphasising innovative approaches to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.”
Dr. Afif Saif Al Yafei
CEO
Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company (TRANSCO)
