< PreviousEMPOWERING WOMEN IN UTILITIES: A CONVERSATION WITH NADIA BARDAWIL, CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL, TABREED In a male-dominated industry like utilities, women have often found it challenging to break through barriers and establish themselves in leadership roles. Nadia Bardawil, Chief Legal Counsel at Tabreed, is a trailblazer in this regard. Appointed as the first female executive on Tabreed’s leadership team, she shares insights into how diversity and inclusion are becoming integral to the company’s values, helping women flourish in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Diversity at the Core of Tabreed’s Ethos “Diversity is a core value for Tabreed,” Nadia explains. With over 30 different nationalities working together, Tabreed has created a truly inclusive environment. What’s more, the company has a significant number of female employees across all departments, from engineering to corporate services. Nadia’s appointment as the first female executive is a testament to the company’s commitment to diversity. This commitment extends throughout the entire organisation, from leadership to engineering and support roles. “We believe it's important for our business to reflect the community we serve, and a large portion of that community is female,” says Nadia. Tabreed has implemented policies and processes to encourage more women to join and thrive within the company, fostering an environment where gender diversity is celebrated and promoted. Breaking Down Barriers in Engineering The utilities sector has long been dominated by men, and as Nadia acknowledges, “It can be intimidating for a woman to enter this industry. It’s often a challenge to be the only woman in the room.” However, Nadia credits Tabreed’s culture with ensuring that she never felt isolated. “I’ve always felt part of the team, part of the good work we do. That’s extremely powerful, and it’s what encourages more women to come and work for us.” One of the primary challenges women face in advancing their careers, according to Nadia, is the reluctance to take risks. “There’s a study that shows men will apply for a job even if they meet only 70% of the qualifications, whereas women tend to hold back unless they meet 95% or more. It’s a mindset we need to overcome.” Moreover, Nadia highlights the biases in recruitment processes, particularly when using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to source candidates. “If 90% of C-suite positions are held by men, the algorithms based on that data are inherently biased,” she explains. “At Tabreed, we have 10 October 2024 www.utilities-me.com PARTNER CONTENT UME_Oct2024_10-11_Tabreed_13400655.indd 1027/09/2024 12:45anonymised our recruitment process, removing all gender-related information so that candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications and skills. It’s not until someone walks into the room that you’ll know if they’re male or female, and I believe this promotes greater diversity.” Fostering Female Talent in Engineering Tabreed’s efforts to encourage more women into engineering roles are already bearing fruit. The company is proud to have several Emirati female engineers working in their plants, proving that women can excel in highly technical fields. Nadia is passionate that Tabreed is providing women with the support they need, particularly during pivotal moments in their careers, such as maternity leave. “We have initiatives like flexible working hours and robust maternity leave packages to ensure that women don’t fall out of the workforce when they have children,” Nadia shares. “These are simple things, but they make a huge difference. Companies often focus on how many women they have in leadership, but the real measure of diversity is how many women are progressing from junior roles.” This focus on nurturing talent at the junior level is crucial for building a strong pipeline of future female leaders. “Our junior employees are our future leadership,” says Nadia. “It’s vital that we not only train them to excel in their current roles but also give them the agency to commit to the business for the long term.” Supporting Women Through Life’s Challenges Tabreed’s commitment to women goes beyond mere numbers. Nadia stresses the importance of recognising the unique challenges women face in balancing work and life. “Life happens,” she says, “and sometimes you need to go home and deal with personal matters. Tabreed understands this, and our flexible policies reflect that understanding.” Such policies foster a culture of support and loyalty, ensuring that talented women remain with the company. Nadia highlights the cost of losing female talent to competitors due to a lack of support. “It’s expensive to lose great employees, and it’s disheartening when you haven’t done enough to retain them. Tabreed does a fantastic job of ensuring that doesn’t happen.” Driving Diversity Forward As Tabreed continues to champion diversity and inclusion, Nadia remains optimistic about the future for women in the industry. Through initiatives like the Women in Tabreed programme, the company aims to attract more women into the workforce and provide the support they need to succeed. “We’re working together as one holistic team to drive the business forward, regardless of gender, race, or nationality,” says Nadia. At the heart of Tabreed’s approach is the belief that diversity enriches the organisation. “Once you’re a part of Tabreed, you’re always a part of Tabreed,” Nadia concludes. “We’re creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, where women are empowered to rise through the ranks and where the next generation of female engineers can truly thrive.” Through the leadership of executives like Nadia Bardawil, Tabreed is setting a powerful example for the industry, demonstrating that diversity is not just a policy—it’s a critical component of business success. District cooling supplied by Tabreed outside the Burj Khalifa Nadia Bardawil, Chief Legal Counsel, Tabreed www.utilities-me.com October 2024 11 PARTNER CONTENT UME_Oct2024_10-11_Tabreed_13400655.indd 1127/09/2024 12:45As the Middle East continues to grapple with the challenges of urbanisation, climate change, and energy demand, the role of district cooling systems has become increasingly vital. District cooling, a method of cooling multiple buildings from a centralised location, offers a more efficient and sustainable solution than traditional air conditioning. This approach not only reduces energy consumption but also aligns with the region's ambitious goals of achieving net- zero emissions by 2050. The integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and geothermal energy, into district cooling systems presents an opportunity to further decarbonise the grid and enhance energy security in the region. The Role of District Cooling in the Middle East District cooling systems are particularly suited to the Middle East's densely populated urban areas, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where the demand for cooling is substantial. In these systems, chilled water is produced at a central plant and then distributed through a network of insulated pipes to multiple buildings, where it is used for air conditioning. This method is significantly more energy-efficient than conventional cooling systems, which rely on individual air conditioning units that consume large amounts of electricity. Antonio Di Cecca, Chief Operating Officer of Tabreed, a leading district cooling company in the region, highlights the efficiency of district cooling in high-density cities. "When we compare district cooling with other standalone air-cooled or water-cooled solutions, we see that district cooling is more than 50% more efficient," Di Cecca explains. "This efficiency not only reduces energy consumption but also contributes to our goal of achieving net-zero emissions in the building sector." The integration of district cooling into the electric grid also plays a crucial role in maintaining grid stability. By using thermal energy storage, district cooling systems can store excess energy produced during periods of low demand and release it during peak hours. THE FUTURE OF DISTRICT COOLING IN THE MIDDLE EAST: INTEGRATING RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR A GREENER GRID 12 October 2024 www.utilities-me.com DISTRICT COOLING UME_Oct2024_12-15_District Cooling_13397525.indd 1225/09/2024 12:01This capability reduces the strain on the grid and ensures a more reliable supply of electricity. Renewable Energy Integration: Solar and Geothermal The Middle East is rich in renewable energy resources, particularly solar energy, which is abundant throughout the region. The integration of solar PV into district cooling systems is a logical step towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. Solar PV panels can generate electricity during the day, which can be used to power district cooling plants. Excess electricity can be stored in thermal energy storage systems, which store chilled water that can be used for cooling when solar power is not available. Di Cecca emphasises the importance of integrating solar energy into district cooling systems. "We use energy from the sun through photovoltaic panels to feed our plant, and the excess electricity is stored in thermal energy storage tanks containing chilled water," he says. "This allows us to supply chilled water to our customers even when the sun is not available, thus avoiding the problem of intermittency associated with solar energy." Beyond solar energy, geothermal energy also holds significant potential for district “The amount of energy beneath our feet is thousands of times greater than all other sources of energy combined. However, we have yet to figure out how to tap into that energy efficiently” Guillermo Sierra , VP, Global Head of Energy Transition Strategy and Investments at Nabors Industries cooling in the Middle East. Geothermal energy, which harnesses heat from beneath the Earth's surface, can provide a constant and reliable source of energy. While the Middle East has not traditionally been seen as a hotbed for geothermal energy, recent developments suggest that this renewable energy source could play a key role in the region's energy mix. Guillermo Sierra , VP, Global Head of Energy Transition Strategy and Investments at Nabors Industries points out the vast potential of geothermal energy. "Geothermal is everywhere," Sierra notes. "The amount of energy beneath our feet is thousands of times greater than all other sources of energy combined. However, we have yet to figure out how to tap into that energy efficiently. We need to drill deep enough, fast enough, and cheaply enough to access this energy." Tabreed has already taken steps to harness geothermal energy for district cooling in the region. In collaboration with ADNOC and Masdar City, Tabreed has launched its first geothermal plant project, known as G2POL. This project, located in Masdar City, uses geothermal wells that are 2.5 kilometres deep to harness thermal energy for cooling. The hot water extracted from underground is used in a closed-loop system to produce cooling, which is then integrated into the district cooling network. Di Cecca describes the geothermal project as a significant achievement. "This kind of project is well-known in Europe and the US for heating, but here in the region, where cooling is the primary need, we are using geothermal energy to produce cooling," he says. "This cooling is directly injected into our existing district cooling system in Masdar City, allowing us to reduce our reliance on electricity from the grid." Abu Dhabi's Masdar City kept cool by district cooling www.utilities-me.com October 2024 13 DISTRICT COOLING UME_Oct2024_12-15_District Cooling_13397525.indd 1325/09/2024 12:01Water tank used for district coooling enabling competitive pricing and encouraging the early involvement of developers in planning." Bardawil also highlights the potential of geothermal and solar energy in transforming the cooling industry. "Our pilot study for a geothermal plant in Masdar City is game- changing for the cooling industry," she says. "The plant runs 24/7 without the need for any connections to electricity, thanks to geothermal energy. We are also exploring the integration of solar energy into district cooling, with thermal storage tanks that hold water to run the cooling system even after the sun has set." China's Investments in Solar Energy and the Middle East The Middle East's push towards renewable energy has attracted significant investment from global players, particularly from China. As part of its Belt and Road Initiative, China has been actively investing in the Middle East's energy sector, with a focus on solar energy. From 2022 to 2023, China's exports of solar modules to the Middle East and North Africa consistently exceeded 10 GW, with rapid growth in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In the first four months of 2024 alone, China exported 10.3 GW of solar modules to the Middle East, representing a year-on-year increase of 180%. Major Chinese solar companies, such as JinkoSolar and Trina Solar, are exploring new business opportunities in the Middle East, while others like LONGi Green Energy have secured major orders in the region. These investments are not only driving the growth of solar energy in the Middle East but also enabling the integration of solar power into district cooling systems, thereby enhancing the region's energy security and sustainability. Nadia Bardawil, Legal Counsel at Tabreed, underscores the importance of regulatory frameworks in promoting district cooling and renewable energy integration. "The regulations here are focused on the consumer, but they also benefit district cooling providers," Bardawil explains. "About 70% of the electricity in this region goes towards cooling, but the penetration of district cooling is only about 30%. The regulations help to promote district cooling by The Future of District Cooling and Renewable Energy Integration The integration of renewable energy sources into district cooling systems is not just about reducing carbon emissions; it is also about enhancing energy security and grid stability in the Middle East. As countries in the region pursue ambitious decarbonisation goals, the role of district cooling will become increasingly important in achieving these targets. The UAE, for instance, aims to increase the share of clean energy to 50% by 2050 under its "2050 Energy Strategy" and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Similarly, Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" seeks to multiply non-oil revenue sixfold, with solar energy being a key focus area. The integration of solar and geothermal energy into district cooling systems will be critical in realising these goals. Di Cecca envisions a future where district cooling systems are fully integrated with renewable energy sources. "Integration of renewable energies will be key in the future if we want to achieve net-zero by 2050," he asserts. "We need to be proactive in District cooling at the Landmark Louvre Abu Dhabi “Our pilot study for a geothermal plant in Masdar City is game-changing for the cooling industry” Nadia Bardawil, Legal Counsel, Tabreed 14 October 2024 www.utilities-me.com DISTRICT COOLING UME_Oct2024_12-15_District Cooling_13397525.indd 1425/09/2024 12:01Located near Dubai's landmark's district cooling facilities keep the residents cool District cooling facilities in the Middle East decarbonising our economy, and the use of abundant solar energy and geothermal energy will play a crucial role in this strategy." Bardawil echoes this sentiment, emphasising the need for innovative approaches to cooling. "Sustainability is in our DNA," she says. "We are looking into using solar energy and treated sewage effluent to run our district cooling systems. This approach not only reduces our reliance on potable water but also makes our cooling systems more sustainable." Sierra, on the other hand, believes that the key to unlocking the full potential of geothermal energy lies in technological advancements. "We need to figure out how to drill deep enough, fast enough, and cheaply enough to access geothermal energy efficiently," he argues. "If we can achieve that, geothermal energy could become a major player in the Middle East's energy mix." As the Middle East continues to urbanise and industrialise, the demand for cooling will only increase. District cooling systems, integrated with renewable energy sources, offer a viable solution to meet this demand while reducing the region's carbon footprint. The success of projects like Tabreed's geothermal plant in Masdar City demonstrates that the technology and expertise exist to make this vision a reality. The Energy Future District cooling is set to play a pivotal role in the Middle East's energy future. By integrating renewable energy sources like solar PV and geothermal energy, district cooling systems can not only reduce carbon emissions but also enhance energy security and grid stability. The support of regulatory frameworks and the involvement of global investors, particularly from China, will be crucial in accelerating this transition. As the region moves towards its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the integration of district cooling with renewable energy will become increasingly important. Companies like Tabreed and Nabors Industries are leading the way with innovative projects that demonstrate the potential of these technologies. With the right investments and policies, the Middle East can position itself as a leader in sustainable cooling solutions, paving the way for a greener and more resilient future. www.utilities-me.com October 2024 15 DISTRICT COOLING UME_Oct2024_12-15_District Cooling_13397525.indd 1525/09/2024 12:01Digitalisation is essential for energy companies to lead in decarbonisation and ensure long-term success DIGITALISATION AS A STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE FOR THE ENERGY TRANSITION As the global energy landscape undergoes a seismic shift towards sustainability, the role of digitalisation has never been more critical. According to the DNV Energy Industry Insights 2024 report, the adoption of digital technologies is not just enhancing operational efficiency but is fundamentally reshaping the way energy companies approach the urgent task of decarbonisation. This report provides a comprehensive overview of how digital leaders within the energy sector are leveraging technology to stay ahead, and what laggards must do to catch up. The Indispensable Role of Digitalisation in Energy Transition Digitalisation in the energy sector involves the application of advanced digital technologies to optimise energy generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption. This includes the deployment of smart grids for efficient power management, predictive maintenance in power plants, real-time data analytics for energy-saving decisions, and much more. These technologies are critical to managing the increasing complexity of modern energy systems, which require rapid, automated, and data-driven decision-making. The report states, "Digitalisation in the energy sector is the use of digital technologies to optimise energy generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption. It includes smart grids for efficient power supply, predictive maintenance in power plants, real-time data for energy-saving decisions, and myriad other applications." This highlights the broad scope of By Dean Mikkelsen 16 October 2024 www.utilities-me.com DIGITAL UME_Oct2024_16-18_Digitalisation_13384624.indd 1625/09/2024 11:28digitalisation and its central role in the future of energy management. Moreover, the urgency of integrating digital technologies is paralleled by the imperative to decarbonise. The report asserts that "a timely and effective energy transition will be impossible without automation, data-driven decision-making, and digital innovations." This places digitalisation on an equal footing with decarbonisation, both being essential components of the energy transition. Digital Leaders vs. Digital Laggards: A Stark Contrast The report categorises energy companies into two distinct groups: Digital Leaders and Digital Laggards. Digital Leaders, who make up 28% of the survey respondents, are significantly more advanced in their adoption of digital technologies. They are also more optimistic about achieving their revenue, profit, and decarbonisation targets. In contrast, Digital Laggards, comprising 37% of the respondents, are falling behind in several key areas, including their ability to adapt to the energy transition and their ESG performance. The data is telling: "Digital Leaders are considerably more optimistic about reaching revenue, profit, and decarbonisation targets. They are also much more likely to say they are leading the race to adapt to the energy transition and that they have a clear plan to improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance." This optimism is rooted in their strategic use of digital technologies to address the challenges of the energy transition. For instance, 93% of Digital Leaders report that advanced use of data is fundamentally changing the way their organisations operate. Paula Doyle, Chief Digital Officer at Aker BP in Norway, illustrates this transformation with a practical example: “This allows them to see all of the information we have relevant to specific equipment or work orders. Not only does this drastically reduce the time it takes for them to access information, but it also enables them to have what they need available on the fly whenever and wherever they’re doing their work." This capability is not just a matter of convenience; it is a strategic advantage that enhances operational efficiency and decision-making. The Enablers of Digital Leadership What sets Digital Leaders apart from their peers is not just their use of digital technologies but how they integrate these tools into their overall strategy. The report identifies several key factors that contribute to an organisation’s strength in digitalisation, including a culture of innovation, strong leadership buy-in, and a clear strategic vision. Digital Leaders have placed digitalisation at the heart of their organisational strategy. According to the report, "Digital Leaders stand out from the rest by placing digitalisation at the centre of their organisation’s strategy and using this to improve business performance." This strategic focus is reflected in their commitment to increasing investment in digital technologies and cybersecurity, with 77% and 73% of Digital Leaders, respectively, planning to increase their investments in the coming year. The importance of leadership in driving digital transformation cannot be overstated. The report highlights that "a culture of innovation was the leading result, followed by clear vision and goals and strong leadership buy-in" as the top factors contributing to digital leadership. These organisations have spent years, often decades, building the capabilities necessary for this transformation, positioning themselves as leaders in both digital innovation and the energy transition. The Challenges Facing Digital Laggards While Digital Leaders are forging ahead, Digital Laggards are struggling with a range of challenges that hinder their progress. Resistance to change, cybersecurity risks, www.utilities-me.com October 2024 17 DIGITAL UME_Oct2024_16-18_Digitalisation_13384624.indd 1725/09/2024 11:28and data management issues are among the most significant barriers. The report notes, "The stand-out problem for Laggards is resistance to change, which is also the second highest-ranking barrier for Leaders." This resistance is not just about cultural conservatism but also reflects the critical nature of the energy industry, where failure is often not an option. Moreover, Laggards are far behind in the adoption of key digital technologies. While nearly six-in-ten Digital Leaders are live or advanced with respect to both automation and the Internet of Things, only a small percentage of Laggards have reached similar stages of development. For instance, only 27% of Laggards are in the later stages of adopting artificial intelligence (AI), compared to 69% of Digital Leaders. The report also highlights the consequences of failing to adopt digital technologies, particularly in the context of the energy transition. "Digitalisation is helping oil and gas companies reduce the carbon intensity of their operations and lower environmental risks. It will also be crucial in the adoption and integration of new fuels and gasses." Without embracing these technologies, Laggards risk being left behind as the energy industry evolves. The Strategic Imperative for Digitalisation The DNV Energy Industry Insights 2024 report makes it abundantly clear that digitalisation is no longer optional for energy companies; it is a strategic imperative. As the energy sector grapples with the challenges of decarbonisation and sustainability, those organisations that have embraced digital technologies will be better positioned to navigate the complexities of the energy transition. The report concludes with a call to action: "Transformations of all kinds demand that organisations think differently. Whether it’s digitalisation or decarbonisation, successful organisations adapt their strategies and processes in ways that harness the best new technologies while also making the most of the assets and resources already deployed." For energy companies, this means placing digitalisation at the core of their strategy, investing in the necessary technologies, and fostering a culture of innovation. Conclusion The energy sector stands at a critical juncture, where the adoption of digital technologies will determine the success of the energy transition. The DNV Energy Industry Insights 2024 report highlights the significant advantages enjoyed by Digital Leaders, who are already reaping the benefits of digitalisation in terms of operational efficiency, decarbonisation, and ESG performance. Meanwhile, Digital Laggards face mounting challenges that threaten to leave them behind in this rapidly evolving landscape. For energy companies, the message is clear: to lead in the transition to a sustainable energy system, digitalisation must be at the core of strategy and operations. The companies that recognise and act on this imperative will be the ones to define the future of energy, while those that do not may find themselves struggling to catch up. As the energy transition accelerates, the difference between leaders and laggards will become ever more pronounced, making digitalisation the key to long-term success and sustainability in the energy industry. 18 October 2024 www.utilities-me.com DIGITAL UME_Oct2024_16-18_Digitalisation_13384624.indd 1825/09/2024 11:29FACILITIES ON LOCKDOWN? UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE UH OH, THE REST IS ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERS SCAN BELOW TO JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY Untitled-4 123/07/2024 16:25Next >