RAK Energy Summit: How Can We Create and Contribute to the Sustainable Energy Goals of the Future?

This year's RAK Energy Summit centers around a crucial question: How can we create and contribute to the sustainable energy goals of the future? It's a topic that demands collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for a cleaner, more equitable energy future. To spark the conversation, we're posing three key questions:

How can advancements in the Utilities sector accelerate our transition to a sustainable future?

By embracing digital technologies like Smart Grids, the sector has unlocked new opportunities to monitor and manage energy supply, boosting efficiency and minimising waste. At EtihadWE, our AMI Smart Meter rollout provides customers with live data on their consumption, raising awareness and promoting more responsible energy use.

The sector is working hard to promote renewable energy as a reliable, clean source of energy and boost the contribution of renewable energy to the grid through various projects. A major Distributed Solar Systems (DSS) collaborative initiative between EtihadWE and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) will soon see EtihadWE customers having solar panels installed on their properties at no cost. The energy generated by the panels will not be used directly by the customers. Instead, it will be absorbed back into the grid, contributing to the overall renewable energy supply.

What opportunities are there for our economy and society resulting from the sustainable energy transition??

Every step towards building a sustainable future requires new skills and increased capacity. That means green jobs and skills development programs that drive a sustainable economy. As more green projects emerge, the economy will diversify, opening up new sectors and countless opportunities for growth and innovation. EtihadWE’s UAEV joint venture with MoEI is a prime example—building EV infrastructure in the Northern Emirates demands expertise beyond the energy and water sectors, creating fresh opportunities for UAE residents and businesses alike.

Additionally, the energy transition will provide access to affordable and reliable clean energy for all, giving consumers more options and the tools to manage their energy usage effectively. With this evolution, we will see a rise in community ownership and participation in energy projects, empowering society to play a key role in driving the UAE toward its Net Zero goals. Our DSS project is a great example of the direction we are heading in. The project gives EtihadWE customers more choice about the energy supplying their homes.

What will it take to turn our ambitious sustainable energy targets into a reality?

To bring our plans to life, we need to work together and move faster. We have witnessed the benefit of cross-sector collaboration and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in impactful projects that have significantly reduced the UAE’s carbon footprint. We need to build on this momentum, maximizing opportunities to share knowledge and pool resources.

Events like RAK Energy Summit provide a valuable opportunity to spark ideas and forge new partnerships. Even the most unexpected introductions can evolve into transformative collaborations.

If we work in isolation, we will not turn our ambitious targets into a reality. To succeed, we must pool our resources, expertise and knowledge while embracing technological advancements and digital transformation.