< PreviousH itachi Energy stands at the forefront of the energy transition in the Middle East and Africa. Its technological advancements, collaborative partnerships, and sustainability goals positions the company as catalysts for change. With its unwavering commitment, Hitachi Energy drives the acceleration towards a sustainable energy future, paving the way for generations to come. “At Hitachi Energy, we are dedicated to reducing CO 2 emissions and creating a better planet for future generations,” says Dr. Mostafa AlGuezeri, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy for the UAE, Gulf, Near East and Pakistan. In an exclusive interview at the World Utilities Congress (WUC) 2023, Dr. AlGuezeri highlights Hitachi Energy’s pivotal role in accelerating the energy transition and the company’s commitment to sustainable development. As a key player in the region, Hitachi Energy focuses on research and development to develop innovative solutions that contribute to the energy transition. Dr. AlGuezeri points out that electricity will be the backbone of the entire energy system and the urgent energy transition requires collaboration across stakeholders and sectors. Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, Hitachi Energy has placed sustainability at the heart of its Purpose and it revolves around the four pillars: People, Planet, Peace, and Partnership. Dr. AlGuezeri also highlights the company’s position as a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all, championing the urgency and pace needed to reach Net Zero and developing strategic partnerships with stakeholders to achieve their shared goals. Hitachi Energy further showcased its commitment to sustainability and digitalization focusing on enabling organizations to embrace digital transformation and adapt to the changing 3,200 MW Capacity of Abu Dhabi undersea power transmission line energy landscape. This provides an ideal platform to demonstrate how utilities can quickly and efficiently meet customer demands. “The importance of sustainability and digitalization for utility companies in meeting the evolving energy and water needs of consumers is growing,” says Dr. AlGuezeri. “With electricity serving as a vital resource similar to the air we breathe, Hitachi Energy collaborates with customers and partners to accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral future.” Hitachi Energy’s commitment towards a carbon-neutral energy system is evident through involvement in projects that prioritize sustainability, says Dr. AlGuezeri. Recently, he shared that the company secured a contract from Samsung C&T Corporation that involves connecting the offshore operations of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to the onshore power grid in the UAE. With a capacity of 3,200 megawatts (MW), the two HVDC (high voltage direct current) links will be the most powerful power-from-shore solution in the Middle East and the North Africa region, to date. It also marks the first implementation of Hitachi Energy: Pioneering the energy transition Building a sustainable future through technological advancements and collaborative partnerships 20 July 2023www.utilities-me.com ENERGY TRANSITIONDr. Mostafa AlGuezeri, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy in the GCC, Middle East, and Pakistan “The importance of sustainability and digitalisation for utility companies in meeting the evolving energy and water needs of consumers is growing” Dr. Mostafa AlGuezeri, Hitachi Energy an HVDC power-from-shore solution, outside of Norwegian waters. By leveraging on Hitachi Energy’s HVDC Light® technology and the MACHTM digital control platform, the project enables the transfer of cleaner and more efficient power, reducing the carbon footprint of ADNOC’s offshore operations by over 30 percent. “This cutting-edge solution not only showcases Hitachi Energy’s commitment to helping customers and countries transition to a carbon- neutral future but also supports the UAE’s ambitious 2050 Net-Zero Initiative,” says Dr. AlGuezeri. In addition, Hitachi Energy has been awarded a major contract for the first ever large scale HVDC interconnection in the Middle East and North Africa. This will enable the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Egypt to exchange up to 3,000 MW of electricity – much of which will be generated from renewable energy sources. Hitachi Energy is also involved in various power quality projects across the GCC, ensuring grid stability and reliability for the region’s inhabitants. Dr. AlGuezeri says that the company’s participation in the WUC 2023 has proved to be highly successful, offering valuable insights into the challenges facing the energy and water utilities sector. By engaging with industry leaders and experts, Hitachi Energy has gained a deeper understanding of the latest developments and advancements shaping the industry’s future. Aligned with its commitment to sustainability, Hitachi Energy showcased its dedication to achieving a sustainable energy future for all, at the WUC 2023. The company’s mission is to accelerate the energy transition through the application of advanced technology and solutions, bolstering the resilience and security of the energy system. Hitachi Energy also recognises the broader societal impact of its actions and aims to improve lives while inspiring others beyond technological advancements. Emphasising inclusivity and equity, Hitachi Energy is advancing sustainable, flexible, and secure technologies and solutions across different sectors and regions. The WUC 2023 served as a platform for energy sector participants, including leaders, policymakers, innovators, and industry professionals, to discuss major trends and challenges in the energy and water utilities industry to drive sustainability. Hitachi Energy has showcased its commitment to sustainability and digitalisation www.utilities-me.com July 2023 21 ENERGY TRANSITIONUtilities Middle East celebrates 50 industry professionals that have demonstrated distinguished leadership within their respective organisations and have played a pivotal role in uplifting the utilities industry as a whole www.utilities-me.com July 2023 23H.E. Eng. Suhail M. Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure A driving force behind the sustainable development initiatives in the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei is, UAE’s Minister of Energy since 2013. He spearheads efforts to harness the nation’s petroleum, minerals, electricity, and water resources in a groundbreaking and exemplary manner. Collaborating with various authorities, Al Mazrouei ensures that these vital resources contribute to the country’s thriving economy. In July 2020, Al Mazrouei’s portfolio expanded when the Ministry of Energy merged with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, cementing his position as a key figure in shaping the nation’s future. His influential roles extend beyond the Ministry of Energy and Industry. He serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Etihad Water and Electricity, Emirates General Petroleum Corporation, and holds membership in the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Mubadala Investment Company. Al Mazrouei’s involvement extends to the energy sector’s pioneering endeavours. He holds the position of Vice-Chairman on the Boards of Directors for Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), Nawah Energy Company, and Barakah One Company. Moreover, he contributes as a board member of Dolphin Energy Co. and serves on the Audit Committee of ADNOC. A fervent advocate for the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, Al Mazrouei launched the initiative in 2017 with the aim of significantly increasing the share of clean energy in the nation’s energy mix. The strategy sets a target of achieving a 50% contribution from clean energy sources and reducing the carbon footprint of power generation by 70% by 2050. Al Mazrouei envisions an energy landscape comprising 44% renewables, 38% gas, 12% clean coal, and 6% nuclear power. Under Al Mazrouei’s visionary leadership, the UAE is at the forefront of hydrogen production, which is poised to play a pivotal role in the country’s energy transition. This strategic focus on hydrogen offers new opportunities and paves the way for a sustainable future. Born in Dubai on July 1st, 1973, Al Mazrouei holds a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Tulsa, USA, which he earned in 1996. Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds solace in poetry, literature, and history, reflecting his passion for diverse forms of expression. “ Under Al Mazrouei’s leadership, the UAE is at the forefront of hydrogen production, which is poised to play a pivotal role in the country.” 24 July 2023 www.utilities-me.com POWER 50Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber President-Designate, COP 28 and UAE minister of industry D r. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber the President- Designate for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) and also UAE’s minister of industry and advanced technology (MoIAT). Dr. Al Jaber is the first CEO to ever serve as COP President, having played a key role in shaping the country’s clean energy path. As the founding CEO of Masdar, he has overseen its mandate to accelerate the adoption of renewables within the UAE, across the region and globally. To date, Masdar has made substantial contributions to the UAE’s renewable energy targets, playing a key role in expanding the country’s portfolio with clean energy investments in over 40 countries, including several developing countries in Africa and Asia and in vulnerable island states. As CEO of ADNOC since 2016, he has played a transformative role in decarbonising and diversifying the company’s operations and investments, placed sustainability at the heart of its business. Tangible actions have included sourcing 100% of ADNOC’s grid power from clean nuclear and solar energy. Dr. Al Jaber is chairman of the Emirates Development Bank, the board of trustees of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, ADNOC Distribution, ADNOC Drilling, and Fertiglobe. He is a member of the Abu Dhabi Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs. “ Dr. Al Jaber is the first CEO to ever serve as COP President having served as the founding CEO of Masdar” www.utilities-me.com July 2023 25 POWER 50Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer MD & CEO, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) S aeed Mohammed Ahmed Al Tayer is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority since 2004. Under the leadership of Al Tayer, DEWA has seen exponential growth and succeeded in transforming it into a forward-looking, commercially minded utility with state-of- the-art assets base and strong financial profile, through several business initiatives launched. Al Tayer has been at the forefront in localisation, bringing focus to his innovative ideas and vision for building an empowered and fully independent business unit. Al Tayer has been at the top leadership of DEWA since 1991 and has been a key contributor to its ever growing success. With an overall experience of more than 30 years in the field of telecommunication, energy and water, Al Tayer is focused on driving growth and execution of key projects in Dubai. He oversee a workforce of 9,000 at DEWA, which provides over 600,000 customers with electricity and over 500,000 customers with water. Under his stewardship, the 5 GW Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, has taken shape. DEWA launched the Green Hydrogen project, the first of its kind in the region to produce hydrogen using solar power at the Solar Park. Al Tayer is a member of Dubai’s Executive Council, Dubai’s Economic Council, Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee, and Chairman of the Dubai Infrastructure Committee. “ Al Tayer has been at the top leadership of DEWA since 1991 and has been a valuable contributor to its ever growing success.” 26 July 2023 www.utilities-me.com POWER 50Joseph Anis President & CEO, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) for GE Gas Power J oseph Anis, President & CEO, Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) for GE Gas Power, is a highly accomplished executive leading the business’ operations in the region. He possesses a deep understanding of the power sector and global energy transition. Anis has been instrumental in driving regional growth and execution. He oversees all aspects of GE Gas Power in EMEA, including new units, project execution, services, and operations. His strategic vision and expertise have resulted in the development and delivery of tailored solutions that help customers manage their power plants’ entire lifecycle. Anis’ achievements include spearheading decarbonisation initiatives from the development of collaborations to explore the potential application of carbon capture and storage solutions, low carbon fuels for power generation, and joint research and development (R&D) initiatives, to bringing upgrade solutions and record-setting technologies to the region. Under his leadership, GE executed a successful proof of concept project in Egypt, demonstrating the use of hydrogen-blended fuels in gas turbines, reducing carbon emissions. He has also focused on localisation efforts, investing in world-class facilities and growing local talent to better serve customers while meeting global standards. Beyond his professional contributions, Anis is committed to diversity, inclusion and community service. As co-chair of the GE Gas Power Women’s Network, he supports the growth and development of women in the workplace. He is also actively involved in volunteer works and community building initiatives in the region. Anis is recognised as an influential leader in the utilities sector, and regularly shares his expertise through various engagements, including media roundtables, conferences, podcasts, and editorials, addressing topics like the future of energy, carbon emissions reduction, and the region’s power sector. Anis sees a transformative shift towards more sustainable power generation in the region’s utilities industry. He emphasises the importance of a holistic approach that includes investments in renewable energy, gas power, nuclear, hybrid, digital applications, and grid solutions, together with the right market incentives and meaningful public-private collaborations, to accelerate the energy transition and build resilient systems that can provide more reliable, secure, affordable, and sustainable power. “ Anis advocates for a holistic approach that combines renewable energy, gas power, nuclear, digital and grid solutions.” www.utilities-me.com July 2023 27 POWER 50D r. Mostafa AlGuezeri is the Managing Director of Hitachi Energy for the UAE, Gulf, Near East, and Pakistan. With over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, Dr. AlGuezeri has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and leading its regional operations. Holding a Doctorate in International Business from Atlantic International University, an MBA in Finance from South Eastern University Washington DC, and a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Solid State (Electronics) from the American University in Cairo, his educational background reflects his deep expertise in the field. ACHIEVEMENTS Under Dr. AlGuezeri’s leadership, Hitachi Energy has achieved significant milestones in the energy sector. They supplied high-voltage direct current (HVDC) Light® systems for connecting ADNOC’s offshore operations to the onshore power grid in the UAE, ensuring a sustainable and secure power supply. Dr. AlGuezeri also played a crucial role in the construction of the Hatta Hydro project, the country’s first pumped storage hydroelectric power plant, which will generate up to 250 megawatts of environmentally friendly energy. Additionally, Hitachi Energy provided the first charging infrastructure for electric truck fleets in the UAE, supporting low-carbon transportation and the country’s net-zero emissions target. INNOVATION With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, Dr. AlGuezeri has positioned Hitachi Energy as a leader in digital solutions for the energy industry. The company’s comprehensive portfolio strengthens and evolves power systems, supporting customers and partners throughout the entire lifecycle. By combining digital and energy technologies, Hitachi Energy pioneers advancements necessary for a sustainable energy future. KEY INITIATIVES Hitachi Energy showcased its leadership in the energy sector by hosting the Energy & Transformer Days 2023, a pioneering event in the Middle East and Africa. This gathering united industry experts to explore the latest trends and innovations. Hitachi Energy also introduced the TXpertTM Hub, an advanced digital technology at the heart of the TXpertTM Ecosystem. By connecting and analysing data from transformer sensors, the TXpertTM Hub enables efficient monitoring, cost reduction, improved performance, and extended lifespan of transformers, leveraging advancements in communication and cybersecurity. BUSINESS GROWTH Led by Dr. Mostafa AlGuezeri, Hitachi Energy has emerged as a major player in the energy sector, experiencing significant business growth. The company’s strategic focus aligns with the Hitachi Energy 2030 Plan, which aims to accelerate the electrification of transportation, Dr. Mostafa AlGuezeri MD, Hitachi Energy, UAE, Gulf, Near East and Pakistan 28 July 2023 www.utilities-me.com POWER 50industry, and buildings. Recognising the crucial role of electricity in the energy system, Hitachi Energy collaborates with stakeholders and innovates across sectors to drive the global energy transition. By combining digital and energy technologies, Hitachi Energy generates synergies that contribute to a sustainable energy future. Dr. AlGuezeri stresses the urgency of the energy transition and Hitachi Energy’s readiness to address the challenges. The company’s emphasis on synergies, digitalisation, and service allows for scalable and rapid deployment of both IT and operational technology. This capability enables Hitachi Energy to provide comprehensive solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry. Under Dr. AlGuezeri’s leadership, Hitachi Energy successfully navigates the changing energy landscape in the UAE and other oversight countries. Its commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainability has propelled its growth and positioned it as a trusted partner in the energy transition. Leveraging digital solutions and driving electrification adoption, Hitachi Energy paves the way for a more sustainable, flexible, and secure energy system. The company’s leadership under Dr. AlGuezeri has solidified its position as a leader in digital solutions, enhancing efficiency and reliability in power systems. INDUSTRY OUTLOOK The Utilities industry in the region is undergoing transformation due to climate change and increasing energy demands. Hitachi Energy recognises the urgency for a carbon-neutral energy future and sees this as an opportunity to enhance energy system integration. Recent orders secured by Hitachi Energy for electric truck charging infrastructure and a solar power plant demonstrate the company’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for the energy transition. Their goal is to advance a sustainable energy future for all in the region’s utilities industry. CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY • Contributed to Saeed Association during Zayed Humanitarian Day event to support the people of determination and orphans. • He participated in the 9th International Therapeutic Diet Initiative for Volunteer Awards and recognitions: • Mostafa was ranked 12 amongst the most influential leaders of the GCC Utilities Industry for 2018. • He was awarded top 30th regional executives heading global companies by the Forbes Middle East magazine 2019. • He was featured in Utilities Middle East Power 50 List 2022. KEY MEMBERSHIPS: • SBS, Sweden; Japan Cooperation Centre for the ME (JCCME); IMD alumni; INSEAD alumni; AUC alumni; World Utilities Congress - Committee Member “ To advance a sustainable energy future for all, we must join forces. It is through this united effort that we can drive innovation, implement transformative solutions, and accelerate the clean energy transition” www.utilities-me.com July 2023 29 POWER 50Next >