ABU DHABI – The electricity sector is central to the UAE’s sustainable development and economic prosperity, said Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, at the opening of the 19th GCC CIGRE International Conference and 29th Exhibition for Electrical Equipment (GCC POWER 2023 Conference and Exhibition).
“This conference lays the groundwork for effective partnerships and offers a prime opportunity to spur discussions on the challenges facing the sector amid dynamic global changes affecting the electricity landscape,” he said at the event, organized by GCC CIGRE in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Abu Dhabi Department of Energy.
“Challenges include rising demand due to economic and population growth and industrial aspirations. Collective collaboration is vital to meet this demand while adhering to our environmental commitments. Here, electrical integration in the GCC region plays a crucial role in developing a sustainable, reliable energy system and enhancing stability and cooperation among Gulf countries,” Al Mazrouei emphasized.
The three-day event, the largest of its kind, is being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and has attracted over 800 local, regional, and international electricity stakeholders, along with numerous local and global companies participating in the accompanying exhibition.
The event provides an ideal platform for exchanging experiences and exploring the latest developments and future trends in the electricity sector in the Gulf region.
“In the UAE, we recognize the energy security and climate challenges and have devised multiple strategies to make the sector resilient and sustainable. We recently updated the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 to reflect higher ambitions and commitment to addressing the climate and energy crises. We also launched the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, aiming to position the UAE as a leading low-emission hydrogen producer and supplier by 2031. These strategies are major enablers of reaching net zero by 2050 and achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement,” said Al Mazrouei.
Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, commented, “We are here to help shape the future of the GCC electricity sector as one team. We are highlighting success stories and opportunities to overcome common challenges and devising future plans jointly with the private sector, which plays a crucial role through significant investments in the electricity sector.
“As part of the Abu Dhabi government, we contribute to developing policies and regulations for the water and electricity sectors. The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy is a leader in the transition to sustainable energy, in line with the UAE’s federal and local strategies. In a few days, the UAE will host the most important global event on climate change. The 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) will take stock of collective climate action and align efforts towards achieving its strategic objectives for the benefit of current and future generations.”
Essa Bin Hilal Al-Kuwari, President of Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA), said, “Sustainability is a major pillar of our future outlook. Qatar is committed to meeting the energy needs of its people and industrial sector while upholding environmental sustainability. KAHRAMAA leverages top-notch smart technologies and solutions to ensure uninterrupted, sustainable, and equitable energy supply and to improve energy efficiency and distribution.”
Ahmed Ali Al Ebrahim, CEO of the GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), noted that the Authority is steadfast in its efforts to ensure a sustainable energy supply for GCC countries, especially as energy is essential in a sustainable economy model and a driver of development.
He mentioned that the GCCIA’s programs and initiatives have supported the power grids of GCC countries in emergencies, successfully preventing 100 percent of partial and full power outages, with over 2,700 incidents resolved since the launch of the GCC Power Grid. The GCC Power Grid stretches from Kuwait to Oman across over 1,000 kilometers.
The GCCIA is currently implementing projects to expand the GCC Power Grid, further enhancing interconnectivity across Kuwait, the UAE, and Oman, and integrating Iraq into the GCC grid, the GCCIA CEO noted.
He explained that these expansion projects will yield numerous benefits, including enhanced energy security and opportunities for energy trade, among others. He added that the integration of Iraq’s grid project is 30 percent complete and is proceeding on schedule, with completion expected by the end of 2024.