AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION OCTOBER 2024 • VOL. 18 • ISSUE 10 UAE’S GLOBAL POWER PLAY How Ducab, led by Group CEO Mohammad Almutawa, powers the global utility industry with its cables In p a rt n e rs h ip w it h D u c a b UME_Oct2024_00_Cover_13389404.indd 126/09/2024 10:01Untitled-6 126/09/2024 20:01Dean Mikkelsen Acting Editor I n this issue, we bring you exclusive insights from the World Utilities Congress held in Abu Dhabi, where the future of the utilities sector was on full display. We delve into the key discussions that are shaping the energy landscape across the region, from the UAE to Iraq and beyond. First, we hear from GE Vernova, as they explore the critical role of the Grid in the energy transition. Their insights reveal the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we work to build a more resilient and sustainable power infrastructure. The conversation spans the entire region, highlighting the significant strides being made to balance energy security with the growing need for cleaner energy sources. We also shine a light on Tabreed’s inspiring work to empower women in the utilities sector. Their commitment to fostering female leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry is transforming the landscape and setting new benchmarks for diversity and inclusion. From Siemens Energy, we explore the pivotal role of gas as a transition fuel in the global shift toward renewable energy. Our discussions also dive into the groundbreaking impact of AI, which is playing an increasingly important role in optimizing energy systems and driving the next phase of digital transformation within the sector. In an exclusive deep dive with Ducab, we speak with their leadership about their ambitious plans to double production capacity. As they continue to expand globally, Ducab is positioning itself to become one of the world’s premier suppliers of cables, with a focus on innovation and quality. We also take a closer look at District Cooling and investigate geothermal energy as a potential future power source, offering a holistic view of the innovative technologies shaping the future of utilities. All this and much more in this issue, as we continue to bring you the latest developments and thought leadership in the world of utilities. Sincerely, www.utilities-me.com October 2024 3 EDITOR’S LETTER Going global and keeping cool in Dubai UME_Oct2024_3_Editor Letter_13384626.indd 325/09/2024 11:16October 2024 / Vol.18 | Issue 10 10 TABREED EMPOWERING WOMEN Nadia Bardawil speaks about the importance of women in the utility industry 12 KEEPING COOL A look at district cooling and geothermal power power in the UAE 16 GOING DIGITAL How digitalisation is making the utility industry more effi cient 22 DUCAB GOES GLOBAL An in-depth view of Ducab’s worldwide expansion and doubling of production 22 10 1216 4 October 2024 www.utilities-me.com CONTENTS UME_Oct2024_4-5_Contents_13384645.indd 427/09/2024 13:0728 MIDDLE EAST LOOKS TO RENEWABLES As the world shuns renewables, the Middle East sees a future 32 RENEWABLE PROJECTS What projects are driving the renewables in the Middle East - a short list 40 UAE NUCLEAR POWER The UAE brings on the 4th reactor, supplying 25% of the UAE’s power 40 32 28 www.utilities-me.com October 2024 5 CONTENTS UME_Oct2024_4-5_Contents_13384645.indd 527/09/2024 13:07To flip through previous editions of Utilities Middle East magazine, visit utilities-me.com/emagazines/digital-magazine Published by and © 2024 ITP MEDIA Group FZ-LLC. PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: 00 971 4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Mumbai, Riyadh & Geneva ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Head of Digital Media: Thomas Shambler EDITORIAL Acting Editor Dean Mikkelsen Tel: +971 4 444 3248 email: dean.mikkelsen@itp.com Commercial Editor Angitha Pradeep Tel: +971 4 444 3278 email: angitha.pradeep@itp.com DESIGN Art Director Amjad Ayche Art Editor Tofiq Memon ADVERTISING Group Commercial Director Anup Nagpurkar Tel: +971 4 444 3573 email: anup.nagpurkar@itp.com Sales Manager Jaya Kumar Tel: +971 4 444 3268 email: jaya.kumar@itp.com PHOTOGRAPHY Senior Video Editor Liju Cheruvathur PRODUCTION Production Manager Balasubramanian P MARKETING Senior Events & Marketing Manager Eleanor Ashton email: eleanor.ashton@itp.com Events & Marketing Manager Olivia Keen-Smith Associate Events & Marketing Manager Kate Galaktionova Events & Marketing Manager Dmitry Lazarenko Senior Events Manager Karishma Vithalani Associate Events Manager Vrinali Nazareth Events Administrative Assistant Aronn Pureza Events Administrative Assistant Bobbie Rosario Events Sales Assistant Joyce Salonga email: events@itp.com DISTRIBUTION Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira ITP GROUP CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. 6 October 2024 www.utilities-me.com UME_Oct2024_6_Flannel_13384646.indd 625/09/2024 11:16EMPOWERING YOU GAIN ACCESS TO OUR EXCLUSIVE | INDUSTR Y NEWS | INSIGHTS | | MARKET INTELLIGENCE REPOR TS |POWER SHOPPING IN BAHRAIN 8 October 2024 www.utilities-me.com THE BIG PICTURE UME_Oct2024_8-9_Big Picture_13401797.indd 827/09/2024 13:08On 20 March 2023, Majid Al Futtaim, a leading developer in shopping malls, communities, retail, and leisure across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, inaugurated a 6.2-megawatt solar power plant at The Bahrain Mall, operated by Carrefour Bahrain, in partnership with Yellow Door Energy. Over 11,500 solar panels, spanning 40,000 square metres, have been installed on the mall’s roof. The project, developed through a solar power purchase agreement, will generate 10 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually, reducing carbon emissions by 7,100 metric tonnes, marking a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in the region. www.utilities-me.com October 2024 9 THE BIG PICTURE UME_Oct2024_8-9_Big Picture_13401797.indd 927/09/2024 13:08Next >