World Utilities Congress 2024 convenes leading global voices to advance energy action

As the world grapples with the need to shift towards sustainable energy sources, the UAE is making remarkable progress in modernising its grid infrastructure to integrate renewable energy. The nation is addressing critical issues such as managing demand-side energy consumption and ensuring water security in an arid climate, setting an example for others.

By fostering innovative technologies and strategic partnerships, the UAE is not only achieving its ambitious net-zero goals but also contributing to global efforts to build a resilient, energy-secure future. Aligning with the UAE’s visionary leadership, commitment to sustainability, and ambition, the World Utilities Congress 2024 returns to Abu Dhabi from 16-18 September, underscoring the UAE as a beacon of progress in the global energy landscape.

The World Utilities Congress 2024 will focus on critical themes for its Strategic Conference, leveraging the utilities sector's central role in global energy transitions, to advance progress in challenging areas and capitalise on opportunities to deliver on net-zero pledges. Held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and hosted by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), this 3rd edition of the event builds on its previous editions to provide a robust platform for utilities, and their value and supply chains, to advance action towards a resilient, low-carbon future.

Held under the theme ‘Enabling a Secure and Sustainable Utilities Future’, the World Utilities Congress is supported by the UAE’s Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). Covering a range of topics from the utilities sector's role in the global energy transition to practical discussions on grid modernisation, demand side management, water scarcity and electrification, the Strategic Conference will bring together global voices from power, water, and district cooling utilities to power a thriving future and unlock the potential of utilities in the global energy mix.

Bringing diverse and valuable perspectives across 24-high level sessions, the event’s impressive line-up of speakers include Jasim Thabet, Group CEO & MD of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA); Francesco La Camera, Director General, IRENA; Luc Rémont, Chairman & CEO of EDF; Fabrizio Fabbri, CEO of Ansaldo Energia SpA, Alistair Phillips-Davies, CEO of SSE, Eng. Khaled Alqureshi, CEO, SWPC, Izumi Kai, CEO, JERA Asia Pte. Ltd., Head of Platform Business Division, JERA; Ben Backwell, CEO, Global Wind Energy Council, amongst others.

“The near future will require flexible and dynamic solutions from the power generation industry to ensure stable, affordable, and increasingly decarbonised energy production in the face of worldwide growing electricity demand. I see Ansaldo EnergiaGroup's participation in the World Utilities Congress as an extremely valuable opportunity to share knowledge and visions that effectively address these challenges,” said Fabrizio Fabbri, CEO of Ansaldo Energia SpA.

“As the Middle East advances ambitious initiatives in renewable energy and water security, Schneider Electric remains dedicated to supporting the region’s energy transition through innovative solutions and digital transformation. The World Utilities Congress presents a critical opportunity for both the public and private sectors to collaborate in leading decarbonization efforts and accelerating progress towards transforming the Middle East’s utilities and energy sector,” commented Amel Chadli, President of Gulf Countries, Schneider Electric.

The World Utilities Congress is organised into four programming tracks in a variety of session formats. The Strategic Conference convenes the high-level, policy, regulatory and strategic perspectives from across the globe while the Technical Conference hosts the brightest engineering minds of the industry showcasing the latest in project updates, research and development, and innovation. Co-located with this year’s event is the 6th Arab Water Forum, convened by the Arab Water Council and the League of Arab States to address the most pressing challenges around water scarcity and security. The Innovation Theatres, that are free for all to attend, host diverse perspectives from the energy value chain.

The World Utilities Congress is a unique opportunity for the utilities industry to share insights, exchange best practices, and collaborate on innovative solutions. The Strategic Conference sessions will bring together the policy, regulatory, and strategic perspectives from across the globe to address the critical challenges and showcase the ground-breaking solutions that will propel the utilities sector towards a sustainable, resilient, and efficient future.

As the utilities sector faces ever-growing challenges and opportunities, this year’s conference will equip industry leaders and attendees with the knowledge and strategies needed to lead the transitions to a sustainable, resilient, and efficient utilities future.