Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, today inaugurated the 19th GCC CIGRE International Conference and 29th Exhibition for Electrical Equipment (GCC POWER 2023 Conference and Exhibition), organised by GCC CIGRE in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Abu Dhabi Department of Energy.
The three-day event is the largest of its kind and is taking place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). It has drawn the participation of over 800 local, regional, and international electricity stakeholders, in addition to many local and global companies that are 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 his opening speech, Al Mazrouei said, “The electricity sector is at the heart of our sustainable development and economic prosperity. This conference paves the way for effective partnerships and offers a real opportunity to spur discussions of the challenges facing the sector in light of dynamic global changes affecting the electricity landscape. Such challenges include an increase in demand to keep pace with economic and population growth and industrial aspirations. Collective collaboration is essential to meet this demand while adhering to our environmental commitments. Here is where electrical integration in the GCC region plays an important role in developing a sustainable, reliable energy system and enhancing stability and cooperation between Gulf countries.”
He added, “In the UAE, we recognise the energy security and climate challenges and have devised multiple strategies that 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 which aims to turn the UAE into a leading low-emission hydrogen producer and supplier by 2031. The two strategies are major enablers of reaching net zero by 2050 and achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement.”
For his part, Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, said, “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 has an integral role through making considerable investments in the electricity sector.
“As part of Abu Dhabi government, we contribute to the development of 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 the collective climate action and align efforts towards achieving its strategic objectives for the best interest 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 has a steadfast commitment 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 supply of energy and improve energy efficiency and distribution.”
Ahmed Ali Al Ebrahim, CEO of the GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), said 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 said that the GCCIA’s programmes and initiatives contributed to supporting the power grids of GCC countries in emergencies, leading to success in 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 kilometres.
The GCCIA is currently implementing projects to expand the GCC Power Grid, further expanding interconnectivity across Kuwait, UAE, and Oman, and integrating Iraq into the GCC grid, the GCCIA CEO noted.
He explained that these expansion projects will yield many benefits, including greater energy security and opportunities for energy trade, among others, adding that the integration of Iraq’s grid project is 30 percent complete and is going according to schedule, with completion scheduled for the end of 2024.