Christopher Hudson

The utilities sector, an underlying facilitator for all industries, has witnessed a spike in the adoption of digital technology and it is expected to climb as power demand rises to drive economic development.

Placed in this context, the World Utilities Congress, with a dedicated strategic panel on Digital Transformation and Technological Innovations, will delve deeper into how digitalisation will transform the utilities sector. The Congress will take place on from May 9 to 11 in Abu Dhabi’s Adnec, convening more than 10,000 global utilities professionals to explore critical topics, including the future of low carbon power and water supplies.

 

INCREASING EFFICIENCY

Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, the organisers of the World Utilities Congress, said: “Adopting digital technologies will help utility company managers increase the efficiency of their assets, save energy and water, and lead to an overall more sustainable country.”

He added: “Data will also play an integral role in decision-making, both for current projects and future developments, paving the way for a new energy ecosystem.”

Hosted by Taqa, the global exhibition and congress provides a platform to explore the latest products, innovations, and technological advancements across the global utilities landscape.

 

REDUCING EXPENSES

Studies indicate potential reduction in operating expenses of up to 25 per cent, and performance gains of 20 to 40 per cent in areas such as safety, reliability, customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance is also achievable.

These incentives have led utility companies to rapidly adopt digital technologies including the reimagining of customer journeys, adding digital leak detectors to gas grids and water supply, using predictive models to schedule maintenance and other asset-management activities.

 

A VITAL ROLE

It is evident that digital technologies, data, and internet of things (IoT) will play a vital role in the digital transformation of utilities.  These technologies have great potential in helping to optimise the use of energy resources and operations at remote facilities, while ensuring reliable, safe and secure infrastructures.

 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

With global energy demand set to double by 2050, major sustainability concerns are pushing an energy efficiency agenda forward, all over the world. The UAE has to meet ambitious targets as part of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which includes reducing the carbon footprint of power generation by 70 per cent, while also reaching Net Zero by 2050.