Abu Dhabi Hosts Energy & Water Forum to Drive Sustainability and Innovation
Abu Dhabi, March 1, 2025 – The Department of Energy (DoE) in Abu Dhabi successfully hosted the Abu Dhabi Energy & Water Forum, bringing together top officials and industry leaders from both government and private sectors. The event focused on enhancing collaboration, fostering innovation, and ensuring a sustainable energy future for the Emirate.
Major Participants and Strategic Partners
The forum welcomed major organizations such as:
- Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
- Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA)
- Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company)
- Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC)
- Tabreed (National Central Cooling Company)
- Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)
- Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT)
- Department of Finance (DoF)
- Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)
- Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA)
Key Highlights from the Forum
Commitment to Abu Dhabi’s Energy and Water Strategy 2050
In his opening address, Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of DoE, emphasized the forum’s role in achieving the Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Strategy 2050. He highlighted:
- The importance of innovation in securing energy supply.
- Abu Dhabi’s rapid progress in clean energy over the last six decades.
- The transition to renewable energy, which now makes up 45% of the Emirate’s energy mix.
Transforming Abu Dhabi’s Energy Sector
Al Jarwan also discussed key achievements in water desalination, particularly the shift towards reverse osmosis technology. By 2030, 80% of Abu Dhabi’s water supply is expected to come from this advanced process, leading to a 60% reduction in carbon emissions.
Recognizing rising energy and water demands, he emphasized the need for:
- Smart solutions for supply sustainability.
- Affordable energy prices for residents and businesses.
- Strong partnerships between public and private sectors.
Driving Digital Transformation and Sustainability
Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, DoE Undersecretary, highlighted the importance of digital transformation and smart technologies in achieving a sustainable energy sector. He praised stakeholder collaboration as a key driver for balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, reinforced Abu Dhabi’s commitment to its climate change strategy, targeting a 22% reduction in carbon emissions by 2027. She stressed the role of AI and data-driven solutions in:
- Monitoring groundwater and air pollutants.
- Improving water recycling and treatment.
- Enhancing the efficiency of water resources.
Industry Leaders’ Perspectives
TAQA: Leading the Energy Transition
Jasim Husain Thabet, CEO of TAQA, highlighted the UAE’s leadership in clean energy solutions and its commitment to:
- Expanding low-carbon power and water solutions.
- Enhancing energy efficiency and security.
- Driving global energy transformation through innovation.
Masdar: Strengthening Renewable Energy Efforts
Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainability goals. He reaffirmed Masdar’s dedication to:
- Developing advanced clean energy technologies.
- Accelerating the path to net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Supporting Abu Dhabi’s leadership in renewable energy.
ENEC: Nuclear Energy as a Key Player
Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), stressed the critical role of nuclear energy in achieving net-zero goals. He pointed out that 75% of the UAE’s clean electricity is currently generated by nuclear power.
EWEC: Advancing Water and Energy Security
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Asset Development & Management Officer at EWEC, emphasized the importance of innovation and stakeholder collaboration in ensuring:
- Sustainable water and energy infrastructure.
- Decarbonization of the energy sector.
- Future-ready strategies to meet Abu Dhabi’s growing needs.
Tabreed: Sustainable Cooling Solutions
Dr. Yousif Al Hammadi, Chief Asset Management Officer at Tabreed, praised DoE’s efforts in:
- Enhancing cooperation between public and private sectors.
- Promoting district cooling solutions to reduce energy consumption.
- Contributing to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy.
Key Themes Discussed at the Forum
The event featured specialized workshops covering six major themes:
- Maximizing Economic Value – Exploring ways to boost Abu Dhabi’s energy and water sector revenues while promoting efficiency.
- Accelerating Clean Energy Transition – Focusing on renewable energy adoption and building a resilient infrastructure.
- Designing a Comprehensive Energy Strategy – Ensuring a balance between energy demand and resource sustainability.
- Digital Transformation in Energy & Water – Leveraging AI, smart grids, and IoT for a smarter future.
- Policy & Governance Improvements – Creating investment-friendly policies and enhancing sector regulations.
- Strengthening Public-Private Collaboration – Encouraging partnerships to drive energy innovation.
A Future of Innovation and Sustainability
As Abu Dhabi continues its transition towards a cleaner and more efficient energy system, the Abu Dhabi Energy & Water Forum plays a crucial role in shaping the future. By bringing together government leaders, industry experts, and investors, the event reinforced the Emirate’s commitment to a sustainable energy and water future.
Conclusion
Abu Dhabi remains a global leader in clean energy, water management, and sustainability. With initiatives like the Energy & Water Forum, the Emirate is well-positioned to drive innovation, strengthen collaborations, and achieve its ambitious Net Zero 2050 goals.
For more updates on Abu Dhabi’s energy sector, stay tuned to Arab Times News.
