Powering communities’ energy transition through innovation
In an exclusive interview with Energy Connects ahead of World Utilities Congress 2025, Luc Koechlin, CEO - Middle East of EDF Group, discusses how the company has leveraged cutting-edge technology and expertise to drive the transition.
- Is EDF contributing to the global transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources?
EDF is the French utility company, global leader in sustainable energy with a record-breaking decarbonisation score of its operations reaching 30gCO2/KWh in 2024. The Group’s focus is to develop low-carbon solutions supporting the GCC’ countries in their energy transition. Several factors support EDF’s success: the strong expertise and valuable experience, accompanied on a local level by:
- Clear net-zero ambitions and governmental will
- Natural resources and site availability
- Strong local partnerships
In the Middle East, given the natural resources, we developed state-of the art giga power plants. Our portfolio spans over 12 GW of sustainable plants, integrating multiple technologies for robust, low-carbon and innovative projects, such as:
- Al Dhafra Solar Plant (UAE): The world’s largest single-site solar farm (2.1GWp), powering 160,000 households and offsetting 2.4 million tonnes of CO2 every year.
- Dumat Al Jandal Wind Farm (Saudi Arabia): The largest wind project in the Middle East with the impressive 99 turbines (400 MW), supplying clean energy to 70,000 households.
- Amaala (Saudi Arabia): A fi rst-of-its-kind 24/7 off-grid renewable system, combining solar (250 MWp), battery storage (760 MWh), biofuel engines and desalination plant to supply in energy and water the regenerative tourism hub located on the Red Sea Coast.
Beyond large-scale projects, EDF ME is developing distributed energy projects for the Commercial and Industrial sector, hydropower storage plants, and battery storage (BESS), ensuring that renewable energy is not just produced, but also efficiently managed and delivered through scaled transmission grid.
- How is EDF leveraging digital transformation and smart grid technologies?
The future of energy is not just about generation — it’s about optimisation. One of the key challenges in the energy sector is managing intermittency and connecting new generation sites, gathering and using the data collected for optimising and ensuring that power is available when and where it is needed. To address this, EDF is deploying diverse smart solutions and digital innovations that enhance response, flexibility and efficiency in energy systems.
One of our projects, Nojoom, involves replacing 133,000 streetlight bulbs in Abu Dhabi with new LED bulbs and connecting them to a smart control management system, resulting in a 75% energy savings for the capital’s municipality. EDF is also developing distributed energy solutions, where local microgrids and decentralised power generation help businesses achieve greater energy independence. These technologies not only improve system reliability but also foster a more participatory energy ecosystem, where consumers play an active role in the transition.
Through these initiatives, EDF ME not only enhances energy efficiency but also transforms the way energy is consumed, stored, and distributed. Which is bringing the region closer to an interconnected, net-zero future.
- What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for EDF Middle East in the energy transition?
The energy sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by market forces, policy mandates, and ambitious net-zero targets. EDF ME is a key player in addressing both challenges and opportunities in this transition.
The biggest regional challenges remain system flexibility and local supply chain development. The region’s push for localisation and workforce expertise requires strong industry collaboration. EDF ME is working closely with regional partners such in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and now Jordan to develop skilled talent, strengthen supply chains, and support the shift to sustainable energy infrastructure.
With billions being invested in clean energy, EDF ME is scaling up its low-carbon footprint, leveraging EDF Group’s global leadership in low-carbon technologies to support the region’s net-zero ambitions.
- What will EDF Middle East showcase at World Utilities Congress 2025?
At the World Utilities Congress 2025, EDF Middle East will showcase how we are driving the region’s energy transition through innovation in renewables, smart grids, energy storage and digital solutions. We invite you to visit our booth to explore our latest solutions, engage with our experts from the Middle East, France, and beyond, and be part of the conversation shaping a more sustainable energy future. Stay tuned for everything we have planned — don’t miss this opportunity to connect with our team and discover how EDF ME is powering the future of energy in the region.
