Latest news with #WorldUtilitiesCongress2025
Gulf Today
09-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Deal to boost financing for future green infrastructure projects in UAE
Emirates NBD (ENBD) has partnered with Siemens to announce an innovative finance and resourcing agreement aimed at accelerating the funding of future green infrastructure projects in the UAE. The agreement is the culmination of an extensive and strategic collaboration that synergises technology, sustainability, and finance, and is fully aligned with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. Emirates NBD was approached by Siemens to develop and design the administrative, technical and structural aspects of the agreement. This collaboration resulted in the creation of a unique credit framework, complemented by an innovative suite of financing tools. These resources will support green infrastructure projects from installation through their entire lifecycle, including decarbonisation efforts. Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, said, 'Emirates NBD's role in developing this expansive agreement with Siemens highlights our commitment to helping the UAE reach its sustainability and decarbonisation ambitions. It reinforces our goal to expand important working relationships with multinational conglomerates that share our ESG vision and are eager to establish new opportunities for growth within the fields of energy efficiency and sustainable technologies.' Helmut von Struve, CEO of Siemens in the UAE, said, 'Decarbonising infrastructure is a critical part of achieving the energy transition. The technologies required to accelerate energy efficiency progress are available today, but implementation needs to speed up to reach global goals.' At the end of last month, Al Fanar Gas Group, the energy arm of EHC Investment, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Siemens Energy, to jointly advance decarbonisation and clean energy innovation across the UAE. The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the World Utilities Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, supports the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy. The two companies will co-develop clean energy solutions that integrate advanced digital technologies into energy and industrial infrastructure, with a focus on areas such as hydrogen and Power-to-X, flare gas management, and port and vessel electrification. These efforts will be backed by rigorous feasibility studies to identify scalable solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into existing energy networks. The collaboration will also leverage Siemens Energy's global expertise in digitalizsation to introduce intelligent systems that optimise energy consumption, monitor emissions, and streamline operations - accelerating the energy transition in a practical and measurable way. Khaled Ben Said, CEO of Al Fanar Gas Group, commented, 'This partnership is not just about technology - it's about responsibility. As a UAE company, we see it as our duty to help shape an energy future that reflects the values and ambitions of our leadership.' 'Working with Siemens Energy allows us to pair local insight with global innovation to address the region's most pressing energy challenges. This MoU is a commitment to actionable progress - not in the distant future but starting now.' Khalid Bin Hadi, Managing Director for the UAE, Siemens Energy, said, 'The MoU reflects our commitment to working with regional partners to explore practical pathways towards decarbonisation. We look forward to collaborating with Al Fanar Gas Group to identify solutions that are both scalable and aligned with the UAE's long-term sustainability objectives.' Earlier Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Menat (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region, has partnered with Sidara, a global collaborative of specialist architecture, engineering and consulting brands, to arrange a $50 million Sustainability Linked Loan (SLL). Aligning Sidara's financial strategy with its sustainability objectives, this strategic move marks Sidara's first SLL and positions the company as one of the first movers to enter the green finance market in the region. The new loan structure ties financial incentives to Sidara's sustainability performance, encouraging the company to adopt more responsible and more sustainable operational practices. The proceeds of the loan will fund Sidara's working capital requirements and will prominently include allocations dedicated to supporting Sidara's transition towards net zero operations, in line with its global commitment to the World Green Building Council's Net Zero Buildings Commitment as well as the UAE Pledge for Net Zero. Pri McNair, Group Co-Head of Coverage at Emirates NBD, commented, 'By supporting Sidara in transitioning their regional operations and service offerings towards greater environmental sustainability, Emirates NBD is once again showing that it is at the forefront of driving significant change, both in propelling clients' growth towards more environmentally friendly financial practices, and also in shaping a more sustainable world. WAM
TECHx
30-05-2025
- Business
- TECHx
TAQA Announces AED37B Investment for Data Hub Power
Home » Smart Sectors » Energy » TAQA Announces AED37B Investment for Data Hub Power Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) has announced plans to invest over AED37 billion to support the power needs of Abu Dhabi's growing data and artificial intelligence hub. The announcement was made by Jasim Husain Thabet, TAQA's Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, during the World Utilities Congress 2025. He revealed the investments align with TAQA's broader strategy to provide clean, certified, and reliable energy for critical infrastructure. TAQA, with a market capitalisation of around AED360 billion, is among the top five companies in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East for electricity generation, transmission, and water desalination. The company operates in 25 countries. Over the past four years, TAQA has doubled its electricity production capacity. It now generates 56 gigawatts—more than the total electricity consumed by the United Kingdom. Key developments were also reported: TAQA acquired an 875-megawatt gas-powered station in Uzbekistan with Mubadala. The move supports Uzbekistan's energy transition and opens access to Central Asian markets. TAQA also acquired 'Transmission Investment', a UK-based platform focused on energy and utility infrastructure. Further, the company is building a 1-gigawatt gas turbine power station to enhance its clean energy portfolio. In partnership with Masdar, in which TAQA holds a major stake, it is developing 5 gigawatts of solar energy backed by 19 gigawatt-hours of battery storage. This integrated project aims to provide a steady 1-gigawatt energy supply for 24 hours. It is expected to become the world's largest solar-battery initiative of its kind. TAQA has announced it will invest AED75 billion by 2030 to triple its electricity generation capacity to 150 gigawatts. As part of this strategy, the company plans to develop water desalination plants with a combined daily capacity of 1.3 billion gallons. Two-thirds of this will use efficient reverse osmosis technology.
Arabian Post
30-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
TAQA Commits Over AED37 Billion to Power Abu Dhabi's Data Centre Expansion
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi National Energy Company has unveiled plans to invest more than AED37 billion to meet the escalating power demands of the emirate's expanding data centre and artificial intelligence infrastructure. The announcement was made by Group CEO and Managing Director Jasim Husain Thabet during the World Utilities Congress 2025. This substantial investment is integral to TAQA's strategy to deliver clean, certified, and reliable energy to critical infrastructure. The company aims to support Abu Dhabi's ambition to become a global hub for digital innovation and AI development. ADVERTISEMENT TAQA's market capitalisation stands at approximately AED360 billion, positioning it among the top five companies in electricity generation, transmission, and water desalination across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Operating in 25 countries, TAQA has doubled its electricity production capacity to 56 gigawatts over the past four years, surpassing the total electricity consumption of the United Kingdom. The company's growth strategy includes significant international acquisitions. TAQA recently partnered with Mubadala to acquire an 875-megawatt gas-powered electricity station in Uzbekistan, aiding the country's energy transition and opening new markets in Central Asia. Additionally, TAQA has acquired Transmission Investment, a leading UK-based energy and utility investment platform, enhancing its capabilities in offshore transmission services and infrastructure development. In collaboration with Masdar, where TAQA holds a major stake, the company is developing 5 gigawatts of solar energy supported by 19 gigawatt-hours of battery storage. This integrated solar and battery system is designed to deliver a continuous supply of 1 gigawatt for 24 hours, marking it as the largest project of its kind globally. TAQA plans to invest AED75 billion by 2030 to triple its electricity generation capacity to 150 gigawatts. Part of this strategy includes developing water desalination plants with a combined capacity of 1.3 billion gallons per day, with two-thirds utilising highly efficient reverse osmosis technology. The company is also exploring acquisition opportunities in the United States, identifying it as a key market for expansion. TAQA aims to spend around $20 billion between 2023 and 2030 on organic and inorganic growth, targeting 150 gigawatts of capacity by the end of that period, up from around 56 gigawatts currently.
Mid East Info
29-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
TAQA and Abu Dhabi Airports: Fuelling Abu Dhabi's Gateway with Next-Gen Power and Sustainable Innovation
TAQA Distribution, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Airports at the World Utilities Congress 2025 to explore opportunities to enhance the management of power and water infrastructure, and integrate cutting-edge technologies into the existing and future utilities networks across all airports in the Emirate. The MoU was signed by Omar Al Hashmi, CEO of TAQA Distribution, and Elena Sorlini, MD & CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, in the presence of senior officials and industry stakeholders. As part of the MoU, TAQA Distribution will explore leveraging its years of experience effectively managing Abu Dhabi's highly reliable public utilities network, proven track record of designing and building energy—and cost-efficient utilities infrastructure, ensuring high standard of operational excellence in maintaining private-sector utility assets. Omar Al Hashmi said: 'The MoU allows TAQA Distribution and Abu Dhabi Airports to join forces to advance Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a global aviation hub. Our core expertise in conceptualizing, implementing, and operating utility assets will facilitate our seamless integration within Abu Dhabi Airports' operations, significantly enhancing infrastructural efficiency to better serve millions of passengers and support the Emirates' economic and logistical goals.' Zayed International Airport (AUH), a key aviation hub for the UAE, benefits from collaborations with strategic partners like TAQA Distribution, focusing on sustainable and innovative growth. These partnerships bolster Abu Dhabi's commitment to increasing capacity and improving operational efficiency, ensuring its status as a premier gateway for the region. Elena Sorlini said: 'As the aviation sector evolves, utility resilience and sustainability are indispensable for long-term success. Partnering with TAQA Distribution allows us to bring private network operations up to public standards, ensuring flawless service delivery 24/7. Together, we are reinforcing Abu Dhabi's role as a destination of choice for trade, tourism, and economic diversification.' This MoU is set to support several key pillars of the Emirates' growth strategy outlined within the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. The modernization and digitization of utility services — powered by AI-enabled predictive maintenance and cutting-edge customer relationship management — will further align the Emirate's airport infrastructure with global best practices. TAQA Distribution is building a growing portfolio of strategic alliances, including a recent collaboration with Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to roll out a digital utilities billing solution for Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands. Through its TQD+ platform, TAQA Distribution continues to offer bespoke utility services to support the infrastructure demands of Abu Dhabi's rapidly evolving communities.
Al Etihad
29-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
World Utilities Congress 2025: Exhibitors and speakers show how innovation is powering the future of utilities
30 May 2025 00:16 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Exhibitors and speakers at the World Utilities Congress 2025 offered Aletihad insights into breakthrough technologies and bold strategies redefining the future of Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has introduced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) drone-mounted technology that has been used in detection of underground water leaks at depths up to 40 metres without the need to dig Lead Researcher Luciano Oliveira said: 'The origin of TII SAR began with a clear and urgent challenge: how can we see what's happening beneath the surface accurately, efficiently and at scale?'TII's drone-based SAR differs from conventional satellites with its low altitude - a flexible way of operating and deeper ground penetration.'We integrated SAR into UAV platforms, allowing for high-resolution subsurface imaging,' he how it works, Oliveira added: 'TII SAR sees underground using radar waves. When water leaks, it changes the soil's properties, much like how a cloth darkens when wet. With AI, we can distinguish actual leaks from natural moisture and detect issues long before they reach the surface.'He highlighted the system's precision: 'We combined long-wavelength radar with drone flexibility. It is capable of identifying buried features, including moisture anomalies and underground structures.'After field testing, Oliveira said the tool 'performed well in detecting subsurface changes across different environmental conditions.'This technology reduces non-revenue water loss and boosts infrastructure efficiency.'Presenting the breakthrough at the World Utilities Congress, Oliveira said: 'We are not just unveiling a new tool; we are presenting a strategic solution to global challenges around infrastructure resilience and water security.'François Xavier Boul, Managing Director for ENGIE's Renewables and Batteries division in the MENA region, highlighted the company's focus on developing large-scale solar PV, battery storage systems and low-carbon desalination to help decarbonise critical infrastructure and support national transition the Congress, ENGIE highlighted its full project lifecycle capabilities: 'We are developing, financing, constructing, owning and operating power and water projects. We bring the most advanced technologies and secure projects from the early stages,' he said ENGIE's current projects include photovoltaic (PV), wind and battery storage projects, as well as advanced reverse osmosis (RO) desalination technologies.'Batteries are evolving fast - similar to how PV progressed a decade ago,' he is also exploring high-efficiency gas turbines with lower carbon footprints to support decarbonisation goals.'We are offering decarbonised solutions throughout the energy chain,' Boul said. 'That is the future.'He also highlighted the shifting trends in the energy sector in Abu Dhabi.'Abu Dhabi has been a pioneer. There has always been a strong focus on energy efficiency, and the grid here is among the most efficient in the world. With more renewables and nuclear coming online, Abu Dhabi continues to lead the energy transition.'He pointed to rising investments in grid stability and battery storage, including ENGIE's recent 800 MWh bid: 'We're seeing more battery deployment as part of building the energy systems of the future.'Boul added: 'The future is decarbonised. ENGIE's 2045 net zero target is one of the world's most ambitious - and we are on track, pushing boundaries to deliver innovative, low-carbon solutions.'Charles-Edouard Mellagui, CEO of the Cable Business Unit at Ducab, explained the company's vital role in clean energy: 'Without our cables, this transition cannot happen. You can build capacities, but you cannot use them unless power is transmitted.'Ducab aligns with the UAE's 2030 energy vision.'We are part of the UAE's mission to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 - from 4,000 to 12,000 gigawatts,' he said, but warned, 'Copper is limited. That is why circular economy and innovation are crucial.'He highlighted rising energy demand driven by AI: 'A Chat GPT query consumes 3MWh compared to 0.3 for a Google search. That's 10 times more power. This is a megatrend.'On grid reliability, he said: 'Solar and wind are intermittent. We need storage and intelligence to avoid waste… That is the power of interconnectivity.'Mellagui continued: 'Our focus is on sustainable solutions, not just products… What if there's no copper left? That's why recycling is our future.'Factories emit CO2, but that CO2 can become a resource… It is not waste; it is opportunity,' he added.'Sustainability, interconnectivity, smart energy, storage and carbon capture - these are the pillars shaping the future of energy.'Speaking at the World Utilities Congress 2025, Oxana Dankova, Partner and Global Lead of Energy Networks at BCG, outlined how technology and consumer behaviour are reshaping energy systems.'The concept of flexibility today is about solving two key challenges,' she said.'First, matching supply and demand in time. Second, maintaining the grid's stability as we scale volatile renewables.'She stressed the importance of digital solutions: 'AI is essential. We need to simulate and react in real time... and no human can do that manually.'On storage, she said: 'Storage helps shift generation to meet demand, and it can inject power instantly to stabilise the grid.'Noting the infrastructure hurdles, Dankova said: 'We need to build five to six times more grid… That creates huge pressure on supply chains and skilled labour.'She added: 'Hydrogen could be a long-term storage solution… But the cost of electrolysers must drop.' Turning to the future, she noted: 'Abu Dhabi has the land, sun and ambition… Consumer flexibility - like when we charge EVs - will help us avoid overburdening the grid.'
