< PreviousMasdar, Amsterdam Port ink deal for green hydrogen supply study AMEA Power signs $600MN wind farm deal with Ethiopia Masdar, Amsterdam Port, SkyNRG, and Zenith Energy assess green hydrogen supply The company also signed a deal with Zimbabwe’s public power utility Zesa to construct a solar plant M asdar, Amsterdam Port, SkyNRG, and Zenith Energy sign a Joint Study Agreement (JSA) to assess the feasibility of a dedicated green hydrogen supply chain from Masdar to Amsterdam port. Hydrogen is an energy carrier and resource with many potential applications, particularly for the industrial and transportation sectors. Port of Amsterdam is developing an industry cluster around green hydrogen in its port. One of the potential end-use options includes the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Parties in the JSA will investigate a green hydrogen supply chain, prioritising Masdar’s production and export to Amsterdam for regional and European industries. Masdar aims for 100GW renewable energy capacity and 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. D ubai-headquartered AMEA Power has signed two major agreements to ramp up its renewable energy development portfolio in Africa. The company has signed an agreement with Ethiopia for the construction of a 300 megawatt Masdar’s Chief Green Hydrogen Officer, Mohammad Abdelqader El-Ramahi, commits to exploring global green hydrogen use, citing potential collaboration with the Port of Amsterdam for a supply chain. “The Port of Amsterdam’s busy terminals and operations have the potential to be a perfect match for Masdar-produced green hydrogen, and we look forward to once again working closely with our Dutch partners in advancing the potential of a green hydrogen supply chain in Amsterdam,” said El-Ramahi. The port of Amsterdam, Europe’s fourth- largest port and a gateway to the European (MW) wind farm at a cost of $600 million. The Aysha wind farm will be located on 18,000 acres of land and it will create 2,000 jobs during the construction and operational phases. Ethiopia is turning to renewable energy to boost electricity coverage, which stood at 50% market, is one of the envisioned prime destinations for Masdar produced hydrogen. As the port’s operator, Port of Amsterdam is committed to scaling up green hydrogen capabilities and it works side by side with commercial parties active in its port on green hydrogen development. Zenith Energy Terminals is the operator of one of the most prominent energy storage and distribution facilities in the port of Amsterdam. It is developing an open access liquid hydrogen import facility in Amsterdam, focusing on providing hydrogen producers access to Dutch and European hydrogen markets. of the population in 2020 according to the World Bank, leaving 60 million people outside of the grid. AMEA Power Chairman, Hussain Al Nowais said, on the sidelines of COP28, that the company was in talks with the African Development Bank, the International Finance Corporation and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) to finance the project. The company has also signed a deal Zimbabwe’s state-owned power utility Zesa to construct a solar plant in the country. Amea Power it planning to initially install 30 megawatts, which will be gradually increased subject to demand. Zimbabwe intends to boost its power generation capacity of 17,000MW by 2030, up from about 4,500MW currently, with coal and hydro the main sources of power. 10 January 2024 www.utilities-me.com NEWS42KM MARATHON • 10KM ROAD RACE • 4KM FUN RUN Sunday 7th January Register now at dubaimarathon.org Run for the chance to win an EXEED RX *T&Cs ApplyCOP28 paves the way for a fossil-free future Global leaders unite as COP28 agrees on ambitious climate actions to propel the world towards sustainability impacts of climate change. Further progress on the loss and damage agenda included the establishment of the Santiago Network for Loss and Damage. This platform, hosted by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the UN Office for Project Services, aims to provide technical assistance to vulnerable developing countries. Stressing climate finance as the “great enabler of climate action,” Stiell highlighted its crucial role. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) received significant replenishment pledges, reaching a record $12.8 billion from 31 countries. Additional commitments were made to the Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund, while the Adaptation “The stocktake calls for a tripling of renewable energy capacity, doubling energy efficiency improvements, and expediting the phase-down of unabated coal power” Fund garnered new pledges. Despite these strides, the global stocktake points out that current financial pledges fall short of the trillions needed for supporting clean energy transitions in developing countries. Reforming the multilateral financial architecture and establishing innovative finance sources take centre stage to bridge this gap. COP28 witnessed a robust collaboration between governments, businesses, civil society, and other stakeholders. The Global Climate Action space provided a platform for showcasing real-world climate solutions, emphasising the critical role of all stakeholders in climate action. The focus now shifts to COP29 in Azerbaijan in 2024 and COP30 in Brazil in 2025. The next two years are crucial, with the need to establish a new climate finance goal at COP29 and present economy-wide, comprehensive climate action plans at COP30. In his closing remarks, Stiell acknowledged the power of ordinary people advocating for change and urged continued determination. COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber echoed the sentiment, expressing pride in the historic achievement and stressing the path forward toward a better future for people and the planet. A s the curtains fell on the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai last month, the event left behind a landmark agreement that sets the stage for the “beginning of the end” of the fossil fuel era. Negotiators from nearly 200 Parties joined forces, marking a momentous step toward a quick, equitable transition supported by substantial carbon emissions cuts and increased financing. In his closing speech, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell stressed that while the conference didn’t entirely close the chapter on the fossil fuel era, it laid the foundation for transformative change. Stiell urged governments and businesses to promptly translate their pledges into tangible outcomes in the real economy. The crown jewel of COP28 is the global stocktake, hailed as a central outcome. This comprehensive review captures all elements negotiated, providing countries with a roadmap to fortify climate action plans by 2025. Acknowledging the urgency to cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030, the stocktake calls for a tripling of renewable energy capacity, doubling energy efficiency improvements, and expediting the phase-down of unabated coal power. Parties are encouraged to submit ambitious emission reduction targets aligned with the 1.5°C limit in their next round of climate action plans. The global stocktake not only acknowledges the urgency but outlines actionable measures for a just and orderly transition from fossil fuels. The conference commenced with the World Climate Action Summit, bringing together 154 Heads of States and Government. A historic agreement on the operationalization of the loss and damage fund and funding arrangements marked the first substantive decision of the conference. Commitments exceeding $700 million have already poured in, signalling a collective commitment to addressing the 12 January 2024 www.utilities-me.com COP28 NEWSatlas by Etihad Airways, home to award-winning content and read by over 1.3 million engaged readers a month Michael Underdown Commercial Director michael.underdown@itp.com +971 50 396 2115 +971 4 444 3566 To elevate your brand and connect with Etihad Airways’ passengers, contact: November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 3332 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | November 2023 10.1632° N, 76.6413° E10.1632° N, 76.6413° E he image of palm-lined beaches and verdant rolling grasslands sloping towards the Arabian Sea is seared into my mind after a four-hour flight with Etihad Airways into Cochin International Airport, situated in the Indian state of Kerala. As we descend, I peer out of the window to the scene beneath and I’m filled with anticipation to discover a land I’ve already heard so much about. Away from the busy streets of Mumbai and crowded Delhi, Kerala offers a more laidback atmosphere, but one that is every bit as memorable. It’s known as God’s Own Country, thanks to its vast emerald valleys and lush landscapes. The term has a mythological origin, too, tied to the belief that Parashurama, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, a principal deity in Hinduism, threw his axe into the sea to create a home in which his followers could live peacefully. If ever a story epitomises a place, it’s this one: Kerala, born at the hands of a God for the purpose of people living in harmony. Kerala is world-famous for its houseboats that plough the glistening backwaters, a labyrinthine 900-kilometre network of brackish canals, lakes Beaches Backwaters & Kerala, India’s tropical coastal jewel, has much to offer curious travellers By Francesca Kirby November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 2524 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | November 2023 suitcase Smooth skin The Barbiere multi-action face cream for men from Acqua Di Parma combines moisturing, smoothing, and revitalising properties to combat exposure to blue light from digital screens and environmental elements. It also comes in eco-friendly packaging ($120, acquadiparma.com). Wild ocean Enriched with almond, hazelnut, and prickly pear oils, this Wildocean beard oil is designed for medium to long facial hair that needs softening ($21, beautyethic.com). Red gold Acqua Di Parma’s new fragrance, Zafferano, is a celebration of saffron, with citrus and floral notes brought by orange blossom, jasmine sambac, and geranium, and a woodiness from tonka bean and vanilla ($284, acquadiparma.com). All smiles Apa White Toothpaste uses ultrapolish technology to help clean stains, alongside hydroxyapatite to rebuild enamel. It’s formulated to tackle plaque and tartar build-up without fluoride, while still leaving your mouth feeling fresh ($25, apabeauty.com). High performance The new Homme collection from Ritual Cosmetics is a range of grooming essentials for body, face, and beard. It’s tough on sweat and gentle on shaving rashes, with an uplifting essence as its base. It’s also infused with vitamins E, C, and B3, plus peptides, ginseng, argan oil, and aloe vera (rituals.com). Groom yourself Men, look your best with this selection of personal care products suitcase The stylish way to travel THIS PAGE: ACQUA DI PARMA; OPPOSITE PAGE: RITUALS; ACQUA DI PARMA; APA BEAUTY; BEAUTY ETHIC 7.8804° N, 98.3923° E7.8804° N, 98.3923° E 2023 ﺮﺒﻤﻓﻮﻧ | ناﺮﻴﻄﻠﻟ دﺎﺤﺗﻻا ﻦﻣ ﺲﻠﻃأ | 2627 | ناﺮﻴﻄﻠﻟ دﺎﺤﺗﻻا ﻦﻣ ﺲﻠﻃأ | 2023 ﺮﺒﻤﻓﻮﻧ ﺔﻀﺑﺎﻨﻟا ﺔﻨﻳﺪﻤﻟا هﺬﻫ ﻒﺸﺘﻛا لﺎﻣﺮﻟاو ﺲﻤﺸﻟا ﺮﻴﺛأ ﻰﻠﻋ ةﺎﻴﺤﻟﺎﺑ ناﺮﻴﻄﻠﻟ دﺎﺤﺗﻻا ﻊﻣ ﺔﻨﻴﻜﺴﻟاو ﺰﻧارﺎﻤﻟو ﻦﻴﻟ ﺖﻴﻛ ΙήΘϟΔϗήϋϦϴΑΎϣϊϤΠΗϲΘϟϥΎϣΪϧήΤΑΓΆϟΆϟˬΖϴϛϮΑ ϦπΘΤΗΚϴΣˬΔϘϠτϤϟήμόϟΔϴϫΎϓέϭˬϲϨϐϟϱΪϨϠϳΎΘϟ ϳΰϳϦϣέΎψΘϧΎΑΓΪϳήϔϟΏέΎΠΘϟϦϣΔϋϮϨΘϣΔϋϮϤΠϣΖϴϛϮΑ ˬΔϤΣΩΰϤϟΎϬϗϮγϰΘΣήϜΒϟΎϬΌσϮηϦϣ ˱ ˯ΪΑˬΎϬϨϋέΎΘδϟ ϩάϫϲϓΎϨϘϓέΔΒΧΎμϟΔϴϠϴϠϟΎϬΗΎϴΣϰϟ·ΔΩΎϬϟΎϫΪΑΎόϣϦϣϭ ίϮϨϛϭέήγϰϠϋϑήόΘΗϲϛΔϋΎγ72έΪϣϰϠϋΔϟϮΠϟ ΔϴϮΘγϻΔϨΠϟϩάϫ ﺦﻳرﺎﺘﻟا ﻖﺒﻌﺑ ﺔﻗرﺎﻏ ﺔﻨﻳﺪﻣ ˬ ˱ ΔϴΒόηΎϫήΜϛϭΖϴϛϮΑΪΑΎόϣήΒϛΪΣˬ³ώϧϮϟΎθΗΕϭ´ ˱ΎΣΎΑλ ΔϋϮϤΠϣϰϠϋϭˬΫϮΑϦϣΕΎϓέϰϠϋήϴΒϜϟΪΒόϤϟάϫϱϮΘΤϳ ϲΘϟϞϴΛΎϤΘϟϭˬΕΎΣϮϠϟϭˬΔϠΧΪΘϤϟϢϴϣΎμΘϟωϭέϦϣΓήΣΎγ ˯ΪΗέΓέϭήοϰϟ·ΎϨϫήϴθϧϭΫϮΑΓΎϴΣϦϣΕΎϔτΘϘϣέϮμ ˵ Η ϲϓΪΟϮΘϟΪϨϋϦϴΘΒϛήϟϭϦϴϔΘϜϟϲτϐΗϲΘϟΔϤθΘΤϤϟΏΎϴΜϟ αΪϘϤϟϥΎϜϤϟάϫ ϞϜθΗϲΘϟΔϴΨϳέΎΘϟΔϨϳΪϤϟϲϫϭˬΔϤϳΪϘϟΖϴϛϮΑΔϨϳΪϣ ˱ έϬυ ΔϴϨϴμϟΓέΎϤόϟϥϮϨϓΔϨοΎΣϭˬΖϴϛϮΑΔϨϳΪϣ˯ΰΟΪΣ ήμϋάϨϣΔϨϳΪϤϟϩάϫέΎϫΩίϭϖϟϰϠϋΓΪϫΎθϟˬΔϴϟΎϐΗήΒϟ ΔϴϫΰϟΎϬϧϮϟ΄ΑϙϮΗϙϮΘϟΕΎΑήϋΪό˵ΗϭήϳΪμϘϟϦϳΪόΗ ϡΎότϟϕΎθϋΎϣΔϨϳΪϤϟϑΎθϜΘγϻΔόΘϣήΜϛϷϞϘϨϟΔϠϴγϭ ϮϫϭˬϲΗϭήϟΎϬγέϰϠϋϭˬΔϴϠΤϤϟΕϻϮϛ΄ϤϟΔΑήΠΗϢϬϴϠόϓ ΰϛήϤϟΐϴϠΤϟϊϣϡΪϘ˵ϳΎϣ˱ΓΩΎϋϱήσϭϖϴϗέτδϣΰΒΧ ˬϲϬθϟϦϴϛϮϫϲϤϟΔϧϭήϜόϣϖΒσϭˬάϳάϠϟϱέΎϜϟϭϰϠΤϤϟ ΕϻϮϛ΄ϤϟϊϣΔϴϠϘϤϟ˯ήϔμϟ ϝΩϮϨϟ ΔϧϭήϜόϤϟϦϣϒϟΆϤϟ άϳάϠϟϕήϤϟϭˬΔϳήΤΒϟ ˬ³ϱΎϜϳήΗΖϴϛϮΑ´ϒΤΘϣϞΧΪΗΖϧϭϚγϮΣϒϫέ ˱˯Ύγϣ ΔϴΛϼΛϭΔϴϠϋΎϔΘϟΔϴϨϔϟϝΎϤϋϸϟϞϫάϣνήόϣϦϋΓέΎΒϋϮϫϭ ΎϫΪόΑϚΗίΎΟ·έϮλϦϴϳΰΘϟΓΰϴϤϣΕΎϴϔϠΧήϓϮϳϪϧΎϤϛˬΩΎόΑϷ ϱΪϧϼϳΎΗϲϨϴλϊΑΎτΑϢϳΪϗϢότϣϮϫϭˬ³Ύϳέ´Ϣότϣϰϟ·ϪΟϮΗ ϱέΎϜϟΎΑϥϮότϠδϟΎϬϨϣϭˬΔϳΪϴϠϘΘϟϕΎΒσϷϒϠΘΨϣϡ˷ΪϘϳ ϲϬϨϨγϢΛϦϣϭάϳάϠϟϱΪϧϼϳΎΘϟήπΧϷϱέΎϜϟϭˬΎϤϳήϜϟϭ ϰϠϋΔϣϭΎδϤϟΪόΗϲΘϟϭˬΔΒΧΎμϟϕϮγϷϲϓϝϮΠΘϟΎΑΔϠϴϠϟ ΔΒΒΤϤϟΔϴϠΤϤϟΔϓΎϘΜϟϦϣϭΎϫΪϴϟΎϘΗϦϣ ˱ ˯ΰΟέΎόγϷ لوﻷا مﻮﻴﻟا تاو” ﺪﺒﻌﻣ :ﻦﻴﻤﻴﻟا ﻰﻟإ رﺎﺴﻴﻟا ﻦﻣ ﺔﻨﻳﺪﻣ ﻲﻓ “ﻎﻧﻻﺎﺗ” ﻖﻳﺮﻃ ؛“ﻎﻧﻮﻟﺎﺸﺗ .ﺔﻤﻳﺪﻘﻟا ﺖﻴﻛﻮﺑ مﺎﻳأ ﺔﺛﻼﺛ ﺖﻴﻛﻮﺑ ﻲﻓ ﺔﻳﺎﻜﺤﻟا ﺔﻳﺪﻧﻼﻳﺎﺘﻟا KENZIE KRAFTA / UNSPLASH; SHUTTERSTOCKEmpowering the global energy transition Global power utilities declare Joint Action Plan to drive energy transition during COP28 in Dubai and agree to work together in addressing impediments to the net zero pathway A group of 31 partners, including 25 global utilities and power companies that collectively serve more than 250 million customers, has united for a landmark joint commitment to advance electrification, renewables-ready grids, and clean energy deployment in line with 2030 Breakthrough goals and a net zero future by 2050. Global industry giants, regional utilities, developers, and power system technology leaders from across the world have doubled down their support for the energy transition at COP28 in Dubai, aligning a significant share of the global electricity community with the COP28 Action Agenda objective of fast- tracking a just and orderly energy transition. At last month’s event, the companies formed the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA) as a vehicle for implementation and requested the International Renewable Energy Agency Making a difference at COP28 UAE (IRENA) to lead the secretariat. The utility companies will work to address impediments to the net zero pathway framed within IRENA’s World Energy Transitions Outlook and reflected in the 2030 Breakthroughs led by the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions. The announcement represents a significant and transformational framework for global cooperation among the entities within the power system value chain. Its primary focus is on promoting the 14 January 2024 www.utilities-me.com NEWS ANALYSISEDP, E.ON, Enel, Engie, Etihad Water and Electricity, Hitachi Energy, Iberdrola, Jinko Power, KEGOC, KenGen, Masdar, National Grid, Octopus Energy, RWE, Schneider Electric, Siemens, SSE, Tenaga, Uniper and Xlinks. The Alliance will be facilitated by strategic partners IRENA and the UN Climate Change accelerated adoption of renewables and building the necessary infrastructure, while also offering a platform for joint efforts to address supply chain bottlenecks, support the flow of capital to the power sector transformation in the global south, and engagement with policymakers and regulators. Led by the UAE’s Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), one of the largest listed integrated utilities in Europe, Middle East and Africa, founding entities also include Bui Power Authority, DEWA, DLO Energy, EDF, High-Level Champions. The World Economic Forum (WEF), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Global Renewables Alliance and Coordinador Eléctrico Nacional, will support as ecosystem partners. “Utilities play a crucial role in delivering mitigation measures that align global development with a net zero future and are central to a future energy system that is in harmony with nature and the environment,” says Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28. 250M Customers served by partner utilities www.utilities-me.com January 2024 15 NEWS ANALYSISCOP28 provided a unique platform to brainstorm on the future of energy “Utilities play a crucial role in delivering mitigation measures that align global development with a net zero future and are central to a future energy system that is in harmony with nature” Global utilities vow to invest in interconnectivity “At the same time, utilities can help deliver a more just and inclusive energy future for all, improving access to energy, reducing inequalities, and strengthening climate resilience and adaptive capacity. The High- Level Champions are proud to partner with IRENA, TAQA and the founding members of Utilities for Net Zero Alliance to deliver ambitious decarbonisation efforts and increase the resilience of the energy system. “We look forward to working on the design and delivery of the action plan during COP28 and beyond and invite utilities worldwide to join this community and demonstrate a commitment to action.” Members of UNEZA recognise that the key to unlocking the utility sector’s global energy transition potential lies in their own ability to deliberately target existing structural, regulatory, and financial impediments and challenges that are likely to stand in the way of future progress. Members will, therefore, work proactively to address the barriers through global cooperation, knowledge development and public-private consultations facilitated by IRENA, WEF and the High-Level Champions and other ecosystem partners. Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, highlights the importance and urgency of tripling renewable power capacity by 2030: “IRENA’s World Energy Transitions Outlook makes it clear that tripling renewable power capacity by 2030 is the most realistic way to keep 1.5°C alive.” To achieve this goal, La Camera stresses the need for concerted action to overcome existing infrastructure barriers: “To accelerate the deployment of renewables, we need concerted action to overcome existing infrastructure barriers through the modernisation and upgrade of power grids, as well as transmission and distribution lines that enable the fast electrification of the system.” Speaking specifically about the utilities sector's key role, La Camera states, “The utilities sector is at the frontline of this modernisation. Utilities will have to significantly invest and leverage collaboration to ensure the interconnectivity, flexibility, and balancing of the distribution system in pursuit of Paris Agreement climate goals.” Beyond modernisation, La Camera underscores the broader financial landscape's need for transformation: “Without a doubt, there is a pressing need to reshape the global financial landscape for infrastructure investment overall. A significant increase in funding from multilateral development banks and the leverage of private finance will be imperative to build the infrastructure of the new energy system that runs on renewables.” At the Pre-COP28 in Abu Dhabi a new report on authored by IRENA, Global Renewable Alliance (GRA) and COP28 Presidency was launched. The presents the enablers and renewable energy generation capacity targets to 2030 required to enable the tripling of renewable energy capacity as part of the WETO framework to achieve a just energy transition. Drawing on this analysis and in line with the priority areas outlined by the COP28 Presidency, IRENA has developed and implemented targeted initiatives that reflect the Agency’s holistic approach aimed at delivering the energy transition. IRENA’s Energy Transition Accelerator Financing Platform is an inclusive, multistakeholder climate finance platform focused on advancing the global energy transition in developing countries. By bringing together a diverse network of partners, the ETAF Platform enables the financing of renewable energy projects giving developers access to various de-risking 16 January 2024 www.utilities-me.com NEWS ANALYSISTripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030 is key in supporting the journey to Net Zero “Utilities can help deliver a more just and inclusive energy future for all, improving access to energy, reducing inequalities, and strengthening climate resilience and adaptive capacity” solutions and financing opportunities as a way of advancing their energy projects. Jasim Husain Thabet, TAQA’s Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, says: “Utilities around the world are on the frontlines of global energy sector transformation, and as such we fully recognise the responsibility we hold to lead our respective national climate action agendas.” “This global initiative responds to the COP28 action agenda and demonstrates a determination from the sector to accelerate the energy transition through collaboration, partnership, and a clear focus on addressing the current challenges.” UNEZA will develop a plan of action to mitigate macro energy transition challenges including capital mobilisation, supply chain de-risking, capabilities and talent building, and facilitating policy and regulatory support. The Alliance invites companies to join the common vision of accelerating the energy transition. The Membership is open to utilities, developers, power system technology companies and knowledge partners determined to expedite the transition towards a Net Zero future by 2050. During COP28, the Arab Coordination Group (ACG), a strategic alliance comprising regional and international development institutions, announced an allocation of $10 billion until 2030. The funding is meant to drive a comprehensive and affordable transition to renewable energy in developing countries. The commitment is an integral part of a strategic plan encompassing seven key points designed to expedite the global shift towards clean energy sources. It further aligns with the group’s earlier pledge of $24 billion. The strategic plan outlines very important initiatives to address climate change and boost clean energy through the increase of green bonds, blended finance, and risk mitigation tools to secure financial resources for sustainable initiatives. The plan also highlights the need to embrace innovation and new technologies to maximise energy efficiency and storage impact, ensuring a forward-looking approach to clean energy. It also calls for prioritising efforts to support universal access to clean energy, emphasising inclusivity and equitable distribution. Enhancing the resilience of critical sectors, including food, transport, water, and urban systems, to withstand the impacts of climate change is also supported by the plan. www.utilities-me.com January 2024 17 NEWS ANALYSISBoosting efficiency in water Pietro Moro, Managing Director for the Middle East and Türkiye, Xylem, recently spoke to Utilities Middle East about the company’s strategy in solving the region’s critical water challenges Considering your extensive experience in the region and awareness of critical water challenges, how do you envision innovative solutions or technologies playing a role in mitigating water scarcity? Having resided in this region for over a decade, particularly based in Dubai, I have keenly observed significant macro trends shaping the water landscape. The foremost challenge revolves around the inherent water scarcity in this arid region, necessitating extensive reliance on desalination for freshwater production. Affordability is the second major concern, which is largely driven by aging infrastructure and substantial water losses, resulting in increased costs for end-users. Lastly, the quality of available water sources presents a critical issue, often contaminated and necessitating rigorous treatment processes for safe utilisation. Addressing these three overarching trends becomes key for sustainable water management in the region. What is Xylem’s strategic approach in ensuring the overall efficiency of water in the local and international markets? Certainly, we deeply understand the challenges associated with water scarcity, and addressing these concerns is a core aspect of our organisational vision and mission. The issue of scarcity is compounded by the growing global population and urbanisation trends, leading to increased demand for water resources. Consequently, the need for extensive infrastructure development arises, which, in turn, raises concerns about affordability. Our strategic approach involves leveraging innovative solutions to optimise existing infrastructure, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of water systems. We recognise the financial implications of building new infrastructure and aim to mitigate costs by maximising the utilisation of current assets. Our overarching goal is to lower the cost of water and ensure accessibility to a broader demographic. In the pursuit of achieving Net Zero, a substantial commitment is directed towards conducting our operations with progressively less energy consumption, thereby reducing our carbon footprint. This commitment is underpinned by a focus on advancing efficiency through the integration of digital technologies into our portfolio. By harnessing these technologies, we empower communities to access water resources more effectively, simultaneously reducing costs in both capital and operational expenditures. Our dedication to improving efficiency perfectly aligns with our recent strategic business moves, such as the acquisition of Evoqua Water Technologies, which was completed recently in an all-stock transaction of approximately $7.5 billion. This combination creates the world’s most advanced platform of capabilities to address customers’ and communities’ critical water challenges. The combined company becomes the world’s largest pure-play water technology company with more than 22,000 employees globally. Xylem’s unmatched portfolio of innovative solutions across the water cycle, including advanced technologies, integrated services, and deep application expertise, will help customers in utilities, industrial and commercial end markets address their most pressing water needs. These initiatives contribute to optimising water networks, which in turn helps in “Our strategic approach involves leveraging innovative solutions to optimise existing infrastructure, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of water systems” addressing inefficiencies, and fostering a more sustainable approach to water management. In essence, our overarching mission, which is captured in the tagline “Let’s Solve Water,” reflects our commitment to actively engage with these challenges. How does Xylem ensure sustained collaboration with end users and can you provide specific examples of how this approach has led to meaningful and lasting impacts on markets that you serve? We actively engage with our customers and end users to deeply understand their challenges and concerns regarding water management. Our commitment is centred on addressing their pain points and providing effective solutions. We have successfully implemented advanced technologies to empower end users in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the inefficiencies within their water networks. 18 January 2024 www.utilities-me.com INDUSTRY TRENDSLeveraging technology to boost water efficiency $7.5B Evoqua acquisition value Through strategic piloting of specific projects, we identify areas where optimisation is possible, working collaboratively with our customers to ensure that the solutions we develop align precisely with their needs. This collaborative approach is fundamental to our strategy, involving end users from the inception of the project and fostering a joint effort to overcome challenges. By doing so, we aim to not only provide technological solutions but also to actively involve and educate our partners in the process. Our ultimate goal is to benefit communities, as they are the true recipients of improved water management practices. We approach these initiatives not merely as a vendor but as a committed partner throughout the entire journey of enhancing water network efficiencies. This approach underscores our dedication to creating meaningful and lasting impacts on the communities we serve, reflecting our vision for a more sustainable and efficient water future. Can you elaborate on how Xylem plans to align its strategy in ensuring both sustainable growth and meaningful contributions to the socio-economic objectives of the regions it serves? The Middle East, including countries such as Turkey, is experiencing rapid shifts in its geopolitical landscape, presenting a challenging yet opportunity-rich environment. Despite these changes, certain constants, such as population growth, remain. In light of these dynamics, our strategic focus is on key markets, namely the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, where we intend to increase our presence. www.utilities-me.com January 2024 19 INDUSTRY TRENDSNext >